Reps Stage Walk Out as Protest Continues over Electronic Transmission

Reps Stage Walk Out as Protest Continues over Electronic Transmission

Some members of the House of Representatives on Tuesday walked out of the House in protest against the move to reverse the passage of the Electoral Act Amendment bill.

House of Representatives

The development came after an executive session called by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, did not resolve the issue as the House was plunged into another rowdy session over the matter.

Media reported that trouble began after Francis Waive, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Rules and Business, moved a motion for the House to reverse its decision on the bill which was passed on December last year.

House of Representatives

Abbas had put the motion to a voice vote. While the “nays” were louder than the “ayes”, he ruled that the ayes had it, a development which triggered protest.

Then the House went into executive session.

However, on return from the executive session, members stood on their feet and prevented the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, from continuing with the proceedings.

Eventually, aggrieved members walked out of the plenary.

The lawmakers continued their protest over Clause 60(3) which deals with compulsory electronic transmission of results.