TheCable

Chukwuka Onyema, deputy minority leader of the house of representatives, has alleged that there was a gang up to kill the bill seeking to establish the South-East Development Commission.

The bill was rejected on Thursday after it was put to a voice vote by Yakubu Dogara, the speaker.

Onyema, who sponsored the bill, stormed out of the chamber, alongside some south-east lawmakers, after the bill was put aside.

He also threatened to relinquish his position.

When asked by journalists if he would keep to his word and resign, the angry Onyema said: “I have not done it, wait for a formal thing.”

He said it was obvious that some lawmakers ganged up to “kill” the bill.

The lawmaker explained that the bill was mainly for developmental purposes of the south-east region, saying it had become clear that the south-east is being marginalised.

“Two things happened, it was obvious that there was a gang up to kill this bill. People that are supposed to be fasting came back and shouted ‘nay’,” he said.

“We all heard it and still the presiding officer gave it to the ‘nays’. This bill does not affect anybody in any way. This is something that is for developmental purposes. Why are we killing it? And we are talking about marginalisation, that we are not marginalised? We are marginalised, it is obvious that we are being marginalised.

“By Tuesday, you will hear what you want to hear.”