The House of Reps is holding its second plenary for the week since its resumption from a two-week break. However, the session suffered a slight setback following some minutes of blackout in the Chamber. Find out what our Correspondent filed below.
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Legislative activities suffered a temporary hitch on Wednesday, following an unexpected blackout in the National Assembly.
The incident occurred at the Green Chamber of the National Assembly Complex as Members converged for plenary, which is being presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu (APC, Abia), for the first time since the House was inaugurated.
The lawmakers had converged on the temporary Chamber, which has been in use since the renovation pf the main Chamber commenced in the Ninth Assembly.
As at the time of filing this report, details are sketchy as to what may have led to the blackout.
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Confusion further engulfed the proceedings following the non-availability of order paper and other challenges halted plenary activities.
The microphones in the second chamber could not function while proceeding continued in the first chamber where mostly ranking lawmakers are allocated seats.
Another issue was the fact that order paper was not made available to lawmakers when plenary started as it is the practice of the parliament for all members to get the document on or before commencement of plenary session.
Rep. Bamidele Salam (PDP, Osun) raised a point of order on personal explanation stating that his personal privilege was breached over unavailability of the order paper which guides the House on activities scheduled for the day.
“Mr. Speaker as we speak I do not have the order paper and not even a member of my colleagues who is seated close to me has,” he stated
Seemingly, the lawmakers in the upper chamber also complained that they were not given attention as those in main chamber as they are not recognised to make contributions.
Meanwhile, the presiding officer, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu appealed to the lawmakers to remain patient that all their complaints would be taken care of.
“The leadership of the House will engage with the right department to ensure this does not happen again. Be patient in the next 30 days it will not be like this because the main chamber will be opened.”
Recall that 37 billion was earmarked for the renovation of the National Assembly months ago and work is yet to be completed after several months.
Recall also that work has been ongoing in the makeshift chamber even before the inauguration of the 10th Assembly
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