NEWS FLASH: Reps in Rowdy Session as Tambuwal Sides with Baraje-led PDP

LEGISREPORTS NG – The floor of the House of Representatives was thrown into a prolonged rowdy session following fierce protests from some members against recognition of the Mr. Abubakar Baraje-led splinter group of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by Speaker Aminu Tambuwal.

The floor was turned into a market place scenario of raised voices, howling, hustling and rowdy movement by members as lawmakers loyal to the Baraje group and those for the Mr. Bamanga Tukur-led national working committee of the party engaged in shouting match over the propriety or otherwise of the Speaker’s decision to recognise the splinter group of the PDP.

Trouble started when Speaker Tambuwal after reading a his address to members to welcome them from resumption announced a communication from the PDP to members of the party only in the chambers.

He refused to name which ‘faction’ of the party the communication came from but betrayed the real authors of the letter when he read the text indicating that it was the “national working committee of the party led by Alhaji Abubakar Baraje” that wrote to seek a meeting with PDP members of the House.

Immediately after, the House was thrown into commotion which lasted for over 30 minutes as angry members of the party presumably loyal to the Tukur group rose and shouted down the speaker. But the speaker’s announcement elicited cheers from the Baraje loyalists who countered their opposing colleagues thereby throwing the floor into a battleground.
By the speaker’s action, Tambuwal has confirmed LEGISREPORTS several exclusive reports in recent times which authoritatively informed that the Sokoto-born politician has always been hand-in-gloves with the Baraje group even though he had abstained from aligning publicly.

The speaker’s move also aligns with an earlier confirmation of our exclusive by House spokesman, Hon. Mohammed Zakari, who had last week told journalists that Tambuwal belonged to the Baraje group and will soon declare openly.

While the commotion on the floor lasted, the speaker was seen frantically explaining to members who besieged his seat area to confront him on the audacious move to recognise the Baraje group.

When tempers eventually cooled, the speaker announced that there was also a communication from the Tukur led PDP seeking a meeting with the PDP caucus of the House today for 3pm but that the letter was withdrawn which is why he saw no need to bring it up on the floor.

Even tension was still palpable on the floor, the House carried on with proceedings on the order paper and a vote of confidence on the leadership of Tambuwal was moved and carried by the lawmakers.

The motion for the vote was moved by Hon. Kingsley Chinda (PDP) from Rivers State and seconded by Hon. Goni (Yobe, PDP).

Meanwhile, the Baraje-led group is set to commence a meeting with the PDP caucus any moment from now at the premises of the House.

This report was prepared by our reporter in National Assembly