The house of representatives
plenary on Tuesday turned chaotic during a debate by members to decide the fate
of Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN).
Ahmed Shamdudeen from Kano state
had introduced a motion on the need to stem the rising incidence of attacks and
insecurity occasioned by the violent protests in parts of the country,
particularly in Abuja.
But Herman Hembe from Benue state
soughtan amendment to the motion. He asked that it also reflect a call for the
release of the IMN leader, who has been in detention since 2015, despite court
orders that he should be released.
Hembe said El-Zakzaky’s detention
is unconstitutional and should be condemned.
Linda Ikpeazu from Anambra state
made another amendment calling on the Kaduna state government which is
currently prosecuting the Islamic leader to release him.
Following debate by some members,
the prayers for amendment was put to voice vote after which majority voted
against it but those in support of it started protesting immediately.
This prompted Femi Gbajabiamila,
the speaker, to call on the members on the various divide to move on either
sides to clearly determine those for and against the motion.
He added that the process would
be done behind closed-doors after which some lawmakers walked out of the
chamber.
The development comes a day after
a protest by El-Zakzaky’s followers turned violent, leading to the deaths of a
journalist with Channels TV, a senior police officer and some IMN members.
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