Rep Crisis: Violence, Assault, Confusion Mar House Plenary

BREAKING NEWS!

ABUJA, June 22, (THEWILL) - As reported Monday by THEWILL, violence and assault today marred the resumed sitting of the House of Representatives in Abuja as the Progressives led by Mr. Dino Melaye were suspended until the end of this legislative session.

Mr. Austin Nwachukwu who belongs to the progressives entered into the chambers with tear gas canisters and was severely beaten, while Mr. Igwe, a supporter of Bankole had his hand dislocated.

Mr. Dino too was not free from the beating as his clothes were torn in shreds, while a member Ms. Doris Uboh was severely assaulted because she stood up to challenge the Speaker's suspension order saying " this is injustice, this is discrimination." Her assailant was Hon. Idris representing Wase constituency in Plateau State.

In the confusion Mr. Independence Ogunewe escaped through the back door of the chambers for fear of manhandling by Bankole supporters.

The leadership of the House said their suspension was in line with contravening House Rules and Legislative Houses (Power and Privileges) Act Cap L12 Laws of the Federation

2004.

Those suspended are, Hon. Dino Melaye, West Idahosa, Independence Ogunewe, Solomon Awhinawhi, Austin Nwanchukwu, Abba Anas, Gbenga Oduwaiye, Kayode Amusan, Gbenga Onigbogi, Bitrus Kaze and Doris Uboh.

The suspension following a motion passed to invoke Order 5(1), Rule 2 and 3, Section 60 of 1999 constitution and Section 24 Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act Cap L12.

For daring the order to vacate the floor after suspension, Nwachukwu was beaten and stripped naked while Melaye’s dress was torn as the Sergeant-at–Arms was removing them from the floor.