Drama As Reps Debate Nigeria At 63

It was a session of accolades, admonitions and drama as members of the House of Representatives took turns to air their views on the state of Nigeria after 63 years of independence.

This followed the consideration of a motion moved by the House Leader, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, at plenary yesterday on the subject of Nigeria’s 63rd Independence anniversary on Sunday, October 1.

Moving the motion, Ihonvbere said as a nation, Nigeria had passed through a lot of challenges but remained one, hence the need for Nigerians to be celebrated and congratulated on the independence anniversary.

The House lawmakers urged the Nigerian political class and leaders in general to work together to make Nigeria a better place for all.

In his contribution, Hon. Sada Soli (APC, Katsina) called on the government to fight insecurity in the country and entrench Civil Service reforms.

“This country has made a lot of progress over the years. We experience our challenges as a nation. Over the years we have struggled with almost the same issues, coming out of some and retiring into others and unfortunately going round and round the same circle.

“One of the issues being avoided to be discussed in this country is the problem that we have in public sector governance. The level of infectious corruption in our public sector governance bedevil our progress, but we fail to address this issue.

“Why did I say public sector? Our civil service today is not the civil service we knew in the 1960s where we had super permanent secretaries that would call ministers to order,” Soli said.

On his part, the Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, said the House needs to talk less and do more as the future of the country rests on the parliament’s shoulders.

Likewise, Hon. Abdul Dasuki from Sokoto said the Nigerian government needs to provide a living wage for Nigerians, “in the shortest possible time” to ease their pains.

On her part, Hon. Khadija Bukar Ibrahim (APC, Yobe) emphasised the need for unity of the country and to keep the dream of founding fathers of the nation alive.

“We only have ourselves as Nigerians. We must emulate our forefathers and trust and believe in each other,” she said.

Hon. Olumide Oshoba from Ogun State said Nigeria wasblessed with human and mineral resources and called for an end to vices like crude oil and other resources theft.

He said Nigeria has vibrant youths that can move the country forward and they must be made to stay and develop Nigeria and not be allowed to look for greener pastures abroad.

“I believe what we should be talking about is how to stop brain drain, how to stop mineral theft in Nigeria. We have the minerals to make our country better”. Hon Oshoba said.

On her part, Hon. Blessing Amadi from Rivers state called for the implementation of the federal character principles to promote peaceful coexistence.

Also, Hon Babajimi Benson from Lagos, urged the federal government to address the issue of electricity in the country to boost the economy.

The Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon Benjamin Kalu who presided over plenary in ruling insisted that no crisis should be allowed to break Nigeria.

There was however, a mild drama when a member of the House, Hon. Bob Solomon (Rivers, PDP) angrily reacted when the Deputy Speaker turned down his request to also speak on the matter on the ground that time was far spent and members across the zone had spoken.

But Solomon continued shouting: “Mr Speaker, Point of Order, Point of Order, Mr Speaker… I am utterly disappointed, Mr Speaker, for shutting me down.”

Soon after, Hon. Inuwa Garba (PDP, Gombe) raised a Point of Order that his privilege had been breached by the action of the Rivers lawmaker who must tender a written apology or be suspended for three months.

However, the House Minority Leader, Chinda also from Rivers, pleaded for leniency but Kalu insisted that rules govern the House.

“The House is governed by rules, and I think we should not jettison that. We are giving Hon. Bob Solomon the opportunity before the end today to come and apologise,” he said.

Accordingly, barely after an hour, Hon. Solomon tendered a verbal apology to the House, which the Presiding Officer Kalu accepted.