Two arrowheads of President Muhammadu Buhari’s support groups in the House of Representatives, are expected to face disciplinary committee in the Lower Chamber.
They are: Gudaje Kazaure (APC-Jigawa) and Abdulmumin Jubrin (APC-Kano), allegedly accused some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers of spare-heading the impeachment of President Buhari.
The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of two separate motions sponsored by Ossai Nicholas Ossai (PDP-Delta) and Sunday Karimi (PDP-Kogi).
In his lead debate, Ossai who doubles as chairman, House Committee on Ethics and Privileges, raised a point of Order on breach of his privilege, where Kazaure accused him during a press briefing held after the of closed door session, of collecting signatures to impeach President Buhari.
The Delta lawmaker who expressed displeasure over the allegation, argued that his privilege was breached by the report that he was the leading voice for members collating signatures for the impeachment of the President
He therefore urged the House to refer the matter to the appropriate committee of the House for redress, adding that since he presides over the Committee on Ethics and Privileges, he cannot be a Judge in his matter.
Hence, he volunteered to step down as chairman of the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges for fair hearing.
In a related development, Sunday Karimi (PDP-Kogi) who also raised a motion under matters of breach of personal privilege accused Abdulmumin Jibril, former Chairman, House Committee on Appropriations expressed displeasure over the allegation that PDP lawmakers championed the President’s impeachment.
He therefore called for an investigation into the allegation adding his personal privilege has been breached.
In his intervention, Kingsley Chinda (PDP-Rivers) said: “I don’t think this House should bother itself about it (allegation).
“Impeachment is statutory function of this House. The major issue should be matter raised by our colleague before the press. I think we should look onto that critically,” he urged.
While ruling, Speaker Yakubu Dogara urged members of the House who do not attend plenaries always to do so to avoid quoting the proceedings of the chamber out of context.
Dogara therefore referred the two matters to the House committee on Ethics and Privileges to investigate.
“My ruling is simple about people who don’t come to the session but would be the first to go to the press about whatever decision is taken.
“I think this House should reflect the truth in whatever we do so as not to mislead the public.
“On Kazaure, I think the matter is up to the Executive, but as to Abdulmumin, we will investigate it,” Speaker Dogara said.
To this end, he mandated the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges to investigate the allegation.
KEHINDE AKINTOLA, Abuja
