A member of the House of Representatives, Patrick Obahiagbon [ACN Edo] narrowly escaped suspension yesterday over his disagreement with the plan to make lawmakers automatic members of parties' National Executive Committees (NECs).
Mr Obahiagbon, who last week briefed journalists about his reservations concerning the amendment bill seeking to alter the 2010 Electoral Act to make members of the National Assembly part of the NEC of their parties, was verbally lampooned by his colleagues on the floor for describing them as "legislative tyrants."
But for the careful handling of the matter by the Speaker, Dimeji Bankole, the House of Representatives would have suspended Mr Obahiagbon over his stance against the proposed amendment. Trouble started for Mr Obahiagbon as soon as Mr Bankole announced the commencement of business of the day, and Igochukwu Aguma [PDP Rivers] interrupted the Speaker with a point of order.
Citing Order 5 Rule 1 of the House of Representatives' standing rules, and relevant sections of the Legislative Houses Privileges Act, Mr Aguma said Mr Obahiagbon had during the media briefing and at another appearance on a television programme, referred to his colleagues as rascals, arguing that his personal privileges and that of the House, including that of the Speaker had been breached...
He urged Mr Bankole to immediately refer this matter to the Ethics and Privileges Committee of the House which is the internal disciplinary organ of the House. Mr Bankole, who called for understanding from members who were in support of Mr Aguma, yielded the floor to Mr Obahiagbon to defend himself.
The lawmaker explained that he was only calling on the National Assembly to take a second look at the proposed amendment and what he said was that (quoting from the text of the press conference) "it would amount to legislative rascality, if it goes ahead with the amendment." The Speaker said Mr Obahiagbon had not denied making the statement, and then offered him the opportunity to speak again, which he said would equally influence his decision on the matter.
Mr Obahiagbon later tendered an unreserved apology after repeated persuasions by the Speaker.
But he was also made to withdraw the statement before Mr Bankole convinced his colleagues to pardon him, and then hit the gavel amidst verbal protests.
Inciting Nigerians
But not satisfied with that, Cyril Maduabum [PDP Anambra] who co-sponsored the controversial bill, raised another point of order and launched another round of verbal attacks on Mr Obahiagbon whom he accused of calling on Nigerians "to rise up in arms against the National Assembly," if it did not drop the amendment bill.
"I listened to Patrick Obahiagbon on AIT's Focus Nigeria where he openly called on Nigerians to rise up in arms against the National Assembly, rise up in arms. He was inciting Nigerians to cause violence...Is it because he thinks he can speak English?
"My privilege was breached and Obahiagbon should be held responsible for anything that happens to me and my children," Mr Madaubum stated.
Mr Bankole appealed to members that there was so much to be done and time should not be wasted on trivial issues.
"Most of us here have decided to choose this [lawmaking] as business and I can understand the passion you have demonstrated. But I urge you take this as part of the hazards of this job. Obahiagbon has made the unfortunate comments but we should not give unnecessary attention to statements that don't mean much after today," he said.
