July 03, (THEWILL) – Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has said all members of the parliament are colleagues and equal irrespective of their political affiliations, economic or social backgrounds.
Noting that being a presiding, principal officer or chairman of a committee is a privilege granted by both the leave of the House and the mandate of the members, Kalu emphasised that the position does not presuppose superiority.
He, therefore, declared there is no discrimination of any member whether old or new, ranking or no ranking.
The clarification follows a development that occurred during plenary on Tuesday, where the member representing Bonny/Degema federal constituency of Rivers State, Cyril Hart, alleged that preferential treatment is accorded to the ranking members.
Raising a point of order on Tuesday, Hart said, “Mr Speaker, Each time you preside, you do not give preference to 1st timers. You need to allow for fresh ideas, mister speaker. Some of us know more than the old ranking members. Allow us to speak.”
“Sometime, we’ll give a 1 part rule. So if you happen not to be on that rule, when we call for them to raise their hand there, it might elude you. I was also once a first time member. So I knew that I was not discriminated against. So let’s not make it a first time member. That is not that is not the right way of discussing it. So I want to put the question”, Kalu, who presided over the plenary, replied as the Rivers Lawmaker staged a walkout.
However, Kalu in a statement issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, clarified that the row where Hart member was sitting had earlier been given an opportunity to speak, stressing that other rows also needed to be accommodated.
He insisted that presiding officers are not bosses to the members but only servant-leaders committed to upholding democratic ethos and tenets by providing the needed direction to help realise the mandate of the House in the overall interest of the country.
The deputy Speaker added that members are however recognized to make their valuable contributions to debates based on their sitting arrangement and not by their age, tribe, geopolitical zones, political or legislative experience.
Kalu also emphasised that the 10th House under the leadership of Tajudeen Abbas will continue to be fair, just and open to every member and ensure that all voices are heard.
He stressed that their privileged positions as first among equals do not elevate them higher and above their colleagues, assuring that the members will always be accorded the needed respect and recognition in the spirit of equality and brotherhood.
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