Rowdy Session In Kogi Assembly As Deputy Speaker Stages Walkout

Agency ReporterNovember 13, 2018

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A fresh crisis may likely resurface in the Kogi State House of Assembly as the Deputy Speaker, Hassan Abdullahi representing (APC Dekina/Okura) staged a walkout following his disagreement with the speaker, Prince Mathew Kolawole at the House’s plenary on Tuesday.

The two principal officers were forced to argue before other members whether the House should form a committee of the whole to further debate on four bills which had passed through committee report.

The aggrieved deputy speaker who believed the four bills for debate should be stepped down for another legislative day as earlier moved by Haruna Idoko (APC Idah) accused the Speaker, Prince Mathew Kolawole of being autocratic.

To further buttress his position while the reports should be stepped down, honourable Abdullahi insisted that, the House did not form a quorum to look into the various bills.

According to the deputy speaker, this will also allow the members to look into the various committee report, and enable them to contribute effectively during deliberation.

During this period, the house went rowdy.

Not satisfied with the comment of his deputy, the speaker, Prince Mathew Kolawole immediately countered his position, urging him to withdraw his statement that he was leading the House in an autocratic manner which did not align with the position of other members.

DAILY POST reports that after the Deputy Speaker withdrew his earlier comment, the Speaker also directed him to look at the House’s standing rules which later forced him to stage a walkout.

Kolawole who overruled his DS explained that, the report should be considered adding that, the bill has been placed on notice for several weeks.

On whether the House formed a quorum, Kolawole responded by saying ” 17 members in this house forms a quorum. Simply because some members left sitting now does not mean they are not present for the days sitting.”

The speaker maintained that, under his leadership, he will continue to adhere to the rules and continue to carry every member along for the development of the hallowed chamber.