We Never Received Motion On Pantami's Resignation – House of Reps

The House of Representatives on Thursday said it has never received any motion calling for the resignation of the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami.

The House maintained that it did not shut down the Minority Leader, Ndudi Elumelu from presenting such a bill.

Speaking at the plenary on Thursday, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, said even though the Minority Leader brought up the allegations against the Minister in accordance with the House rule, the issue could not be debated because it was brought under matter of privilege, which is not debatable.

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The Speaker called on members to educate their constituency on how things work in the House, especially the standing rules while calling on journalists covering the House to always report the facts.

Gbajabiamila said, “As provided for in our rules, matters that come under privilege are not debated. They are not motions. They are not seconded as a motion should.

“I think it behoves on all of us to educate our constituents on such matters. It was not a motion. We noted the privilege. We only followed our rules. It’s important that our constituents get to know. As is the practice, your point of order is noted.”

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A member of the Green Chamber, Ahmed Jaha had resurrected the privilege, adding that it was appalling that some sections of the media reported that the Speaker shut down a motion brought by Elumelu for suspension of Pantami.

Jaha came under Order 6, Rule 1 and 2 of the Standing Orders of the House, which borders on matters of privilege of the individual lawmakers, said there was a complete misrepresentation of what transpired in the Chamber.

He said, “From what happened, this House did not stop any such move. What I know is that the presiding officer only said the order cited was wrong and that the Minority Leader can come through the right order.

“There was no point where this presiding officer stopped the motion (calling) for removal of the Minister.”

Another member, Uzoma Nkem-Abonta, also came under matter of privilege, said the matter at hand showed that Nigerians were mindful of what happened in the House.

He then suggested that it should come under motion on notice for the House to take a clear position on the matter.