The leadership of the House of Representatives on Thursday stated that it was ready to hear the motion calling for resignation of the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami which was raised by the Minority Leader, Ndudi Elumelu.
The House of Representatives in a statement by its spokesman, Hon. Benjamin Kalu and member representing Bende Federal Constituency while faulting both online and conventional Media slant to the action of the Speaker of House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila said Elumelu was ruled out of order for presenting such matter through Order 6 (which only applies to Legislative Privileges) instead of Order 8 Rule 4 of the House Rules.
The House is aware of several publications on online and traditional media claiming that the Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila blocked a motion by the Minority Leader of the House, Rep. Ndudi Elumelu purportedly demanding the resignation of the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami.
Hon. Kalu who disclosed that the House is set to give Hon. Elumelu or ant member of the House audience on the issue of Pantami, provided that such audience is sought through the proper channels and brought under the relevant rules of the House said that the misrepresentation of facts for the sake of sensationalism (by the media) necessitated the statement of clarification.
“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.
“In this case, the Minority Leader should have known better than to present such an issue for debate via Order 6 of the House Rules which only applies to Legislative Privileges.
“He ought to have come under Order 8 Rule 4, as a matter of urgent national importance, or via a motion on notice to enable other members second the motion and make their contributions through debate in true 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 simple untrue.
“The House acknowledges the severity of the issue and its nature as a matter of public concern.
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“As always, the House stands ready to give 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,” the statement signed by Hon. Kalu read
