• Home
  • News
    • African News
    • Nigerian
    • World
    • News UK
    • Politics
  • Sports
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Health
Nigerian Watch Newspaper
Nigerian Watch Newspaper
 
 
 
 
  • Home
  • News
    • African News
    • Nigerian
    • World
    • News UK
    • Politics
  • Sports
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Health
Home
News
Politics

Debate over Shiite protests bitterly divides House of Reps forcing it to conduct vote in secret

July 23rd, 2019 News, Nigerian, Politics comments

Debate over Shiite protests bitterly divides House of Reps forcing it to conduct vote in secret

MEMBERS of Nigeria’s House of Representatives had to conduct part of today’s sitting in camera after disagreements over how to handle the ongoing furore involving the Shiite Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) caused an uproar on the floor.

 

Over recent weeks, the IMN has intensified its protests in Abuja, demanding the release of its leader Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, who has been in detention since December 2015. As the clamour for his release grows, their protests have got more fierce and there have been increasing bloody clashes with the security forces.

 

Yesterday, the IMN staged another protest in Abuja and in the ensuing clash with police, numerous lives were lost on both sides. Looking to find a solution to the crisis, the House of Representatives met today and agreed to invite security and service to the National Assembly to explain their roles in the saga.

 

Hon Haman Hembe from Benue State had moved a motion calling on the federal government to obey the order by various courts demanding the release of Sheikh El-Zakzaky but it was voted down.  Another lawmaker, Linda Ikpeazu, from Anambra State moved a similar motion directing the Kaduna State government to obey similar court orders but it too was rejected.

 

Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, had put the two motions to a voice vote and the nays had it, killing both motions. As soon as this happened, however, supporters of the prayers protested, forcing the presiding officer to call for a division of the ‎House.

 

This division, which is usually called when those for and against a matter cannot be clearly determined through voice vote, means that lawmakers would be asked to relocate to either sides of the aisle based on their votes. Shortly after calling for a division and the lawmakers had started taking positions in the chamber, the speaker asked that the process be done behind closed doors, asking the sergeants-at-arms to usher non-members out of the chamber and gallery.

Facebook Twitter Google+ LinkedIn WhatsApp
Next article Buhari’s ministerial nominees must be prepared to embark on mission impossibles
Previous article Nef jittery as Middle Belt Forum aligns itself with southern socio-cultural groups on Fulani herdsmen

Related Posts

Pakistani textile mill acquires US manufacturing unit as Nigeria's UNTL lays off 3,000 staff Business

Pakistani textile mill acquires US manufacturing unit as Nigeria's UNTL lays off 3,000 staff

Power minister reveals that Nigeria needs to attract $4bn clean energy investment annually African News

Power minister reveals that Nigeria needs to attract $4bn clean energy investment annually

Nigeria faces bleak future as December crude oil output tumbles to a record low of 1.17m barrels a day African News

Nigeria faces bleak future as December crude oil output tumbles to a record low of 1.17m barrels a day

Facebook Comments

 

Follow Us on Facebook


Follow us on Twitter


Follow nigerianwatch on TwitterTweet

  • About us
  • Legal agreement
  • Privacy policy
  • Contact us
  • Back to top
© 2012 - Nigerian Watch. All rights reserved.
Website by Mouldme.com