The house of representatives says it will consider the
motion demanding the sack of Isa Pantami, minister of communications and
digital economy, when it is presented properly.
On Wednesday, Ndudi Elumelu, the minority leader, had raised
a point of order calling for the sack of Pantami over his past views supporting
terror groups such as Al-Qaeda and Taliban.
But Femi Gbajabiamila, the speaker, faulted the lawmaker for
raising an external matter under privilege, which concerns issues that affect
only lawmakers.
When plenary resumed on Thursday, Ahmed Jaha from Borno
state drew the attention of his colleagues to reports claiming that the house
blocked a motion on Pantami.
In a statement on Friday, Benjamin Kalu, the house
spokesman, denied such reports, saying the house is ready to consider the
motion from Elumelu when it is properly presented.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the House is guided by the
Standing Orders of the House of Representatives (House Rules) in its operations
and administration,” Kalu said.
“In this case, the Minority Leader has been asked to bring
his views via a House motion to enable others to contribute to it in a truly
democratic fashion, after which the House would be able to take a position on
the issue.
“It is therefore
pertinent to inform Nigerians that the House has not acted in error, but in
line with the provisions of its rules.
“All insinuations that the House did not allow democratic
debate to take place on the important issue of Pantami’s resignation are simply
untrue.
“The House acknowledges the severity of the issue and its
nature as a matter of public concern.
“As always, the House stands ready to give an audience to
Rep. Elumelu or any other member of the House on this issue, provided that such
audience is sought through the proper channels and brought under the relevant
rules of the House.”
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