TheCable

The house of representatives says it will consider the motion demanding the sack of Isa Pantami, minister of communications and digital economy, when it is presented properly. 

On Wednesday, Ndudi Elumelu, the minority leader, had raised a point of order calling for the sack of Pantami over his past views supporting terror groups such as Al-Qaeda and Taliban.

But Femi Gbajabiamila, the speaker, faulted the lawmaker for raising an external matter under privilege, which concerns issues that affect only lawmakers.

When plenary resumed on Thursday, Ahmed Jaha from Borno state drew the attention of his colleagues to reports claiming that the house blocked a motion on Pantami.

In a statement on Friday, Benjamin Kalu, the house spokesman, denied such reports, saying the house is ready to consider the motion from Elumelu when it is properly presented.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the House is guided by the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives (House Rules) in its operations and administration,” Kalu said.

“In this case, the Minority Leader has been asked to bring his views via a House motion to enable others to contribute to it in a truly democratic fashion, after which the House would be able to take a position on the issue.

“It is therefore pertinent to inform Nigerians that the House has not acted in error, but in line with the provisions of its rules.

“All insinuations that the House did not allow democratic debate to take place on the important issue of Pantami’s resignation are simply untrue.

“The House acknowledges the severity of the issue and its nature as a matter of public concern.

“As always, the House stands ready to give an audience to Rep. Elumelu or any other member of the House on this issue, provided that such audience is sought through the proper channels and brought under the relevant rules of the House.”