Rep walks out of plenary, accuses deputy speaker of sidelining new members during debates

Cyril Hart, a member of the house of representatives, has accused Benjamin Kalu, deputy speaker of the lower legislative chamber, of sidelining new legislators during debates.

Hart, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) representing Bonny/Degema federal constituency of Rivers, made the allegation during plenary on Tuesday.

The lawmaker made the claim after Ahmed Jaha, the legislator representing Damboa/Gwoza/Chibok federal constituency, moved a motion condemning the recent suicide bombings in Borno.

Several lawmakers, including Yusuf Gagdi, chairman of the committee on navy; Idris Wase, former deputy speaker; Babajimi Benson, chairman of the committee on defence; and Dasuki Abdussama from Sokoto state, were recognised to contribute to the motion.

Nearly all the lawmakers who contributed to the debate are ranking members.

Kalu was about to put the motion to a voice vote when Hart raised a point of order.

“You don’t give preference to first-timers… you don’t,” Hart said as some legislators cheered him on. 

The lawmaker said “virtually all lawmakers” Kalu recognised to debate the motion are “old timers”.

“This is what you always do. You need to allow for first-timers,” he said.

Responding, Kalu said “there is no discrimination in the parliament”.

He explained that lawmakers are recognised to speak based on their seating arrangements, adding that if someone is not in the designated row, they may be overlooked.

At this point, Hart exited the green chamber in a huff, shouting as he did so.