Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila and the Deputy Speaker, Idris Wase, on Wednesday, openly clashed during plenary, confirming speculations that they might have parted ways over the politics of succession and preferred candidates for 10th House of Representatives.
Their differences was sparked over the announcement by the Speaker that the Order Paper for Thursday be made lighter to allow members attend the official commissioning of the permanent site of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).
Before adjourning the plenary, the Speaker announced that the NILDS permanent site along Airport Road will be commissioned by 3.00pm on Thursday by President Muhammadu Buhari.
He asked the Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business to ensure that the order paper was not loaded with the day’s business to enable the House adjourn early enough for the event.
But Wase, said the primary business of the House was lawmaking and other official businesses, adding that the commissioning of NILDS headquarters was not strong enough reason to adjourn the House.
Wase said members willing to attend the inauguration of the building could do so while the business of the House is not disrupted.
But the Speaker said: “DS, may be the importance of NILDS is not clear to you like it is to some of us. We are not adjourning the House for members to attend the commissioning. I said the order paper should be made lighter because I will attend the commissioning.
But Wase fired back saying “Mr. Speaker, the House is not about I, but us”.
Gbajabiamila first ignored his Deputy, made another announcement before returning to address him saying “DS, I have been in this House long enough to know that this is the first time in the history of this House that a Deputy Speaker will openly oppose what the Speaker says.”
Turning to the Chairman of the Committee on Rules and Business, Gbajabiamila said: “make the order paper light for tomorrow. This House will adjourn at 2.00pm” while members present at plenary chorused: Carried.
The endorsement of Hon. Tajudeen Abbas as Speaker of the 10th House has created a wedge between the Speaker and his Deputy.
Wase us said to have avoided attending the usual leadership meeting held before plenary everyday, while also shunning the Speaker’s procession to the Chamber.
He had openly accused the Speaker of backing Tajudeen for the Speakership position.