The House of Representatives was thrown into disarray on Tuesday, November 4, following a motion to investigate the alleged improper and criminal distribution of Federal Government lands at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex.
The motion, sponsored by Ademorin Kuye (APC, Lagos), asked for the formation of an ad hoc committee to investigate the alleged land abuses.
However, the proposal instantly provoked debate among legislators, resulting in a heated argument on the House floor.
Several lawmakers fiercely opposed Kuye’s move, claiming that the topic belonged under the purview of the House Committee on Commerce, which should handle the probe rather than forming a new ad hoc committee.
Despite the protests, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session, decided in favour of Kuye’s motion following a voice vote.
The ruling upset some MPs, who accused the presiding officer of bias and refused to support following motions before the house.
Tensions rose when some members began screaming down colleagues who attempted to introduce new motions, saying that no further legislative business should be conducted until the situation was resolved.
Efforts by the Deputy Speaker and senior members to restore order were futile, as disgruntled parliamentarians continued to vent their outrage over what they perceived as procedural injustices.
During the tumult, the Deputy Speaker was obliged to order an executive session, temporarily pausing the open plenary to allow for closed-door deliberations aimed at restoring peace.
The executive session’s details had not yet been made public at the time of filing this report.
According to reports, the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, located along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, has long been the focus of controversy, with stakeholders accusing officials of land racketeering and fraudulent allocations.
The newest proposal is another chapter in the long-running debate, which has sparked new divisions in the Green Chamber.
