National Assembly lawmakers are set to suspend one of its member at the Federal House of Representatives over some controversial comments made on live television.
NASS Abuja
Johnson Agbonayinma, a House of Representatives member who represents Edo State, might be suspended by the lawmakers as they moved against him on Wednesday over his comments on the amendment of the electoral act.
According to
PREMIUM Times, Agbonayinma had in an interview he granted to Channels Television, said the National Assembly did not follow due process in the controversial amendments.
While speaking when moving a point of order, Awaji Abiante drew the attention of the House to the comments made by his colleague, saying that Agbonayinma abused his office by dragging the house to disrepute.
Also contributing, Daniel Asuquo(Cross-River- PDP) suggested that Agbonayinma be given the same treatment as former chairman of the appropriations committee who just resumed from suspension. “He should be suspended just like one of our member who just returned from sabbatical.”
Another member, Zakari Mohammed, a member of Agbonayinma’s APC, also supported the motion. He said a decision taken by the house is binding on all of its members, whether present or absent.
In his ruling, the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, said the National Assembly had followed the same procedures in amending the electoral act over the years even before Agbonayinma became a legislator and sees no reason why he would allege that due process was not followed. “I don’t think he can school us on parliamentary procedures.”
The matter was referred to the committee on ethics and privileges to investigate and ascertain whether the allegations were true or not, and if successful, Agbonayinma will be the second member to be suspended by the House since 2015.