A member of the house of representatives Cyril Hart 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.
The displeased lawmaker further urged Kalu who presided over the plenary in the absence of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, to accommodate fresh ideas.
“You need to allow for fresh ideas. Some of us know more than the old-ranking members. Allow us to speak. This is always what you do and I don’t like it,” Hart said.
Hart offered to contribute to the issue, saying it affects all Nigerians as it borders on national security but was not given a chance.
In his response, Kalu said, “Thank you very much. There is no discrimination in the parliament. It depends on when you raise your hand and the area you are focusing on. Sometimes, we give one per role.
“I was also a first timer at a time and I know that I was not discriminated against.”
The presiding speaker put the motion to a vote. Miffed, Hart staged a walkout from the chamber, rejecting entreaties by some of his colleagues who tried to pacify him on his way out.
The House subsequently mandated its Committee on National Security and Intelligence to probe the suicide bombing in Borno State.
