The Federal House of Representatives through its Spokesperson, Hon. Benjamin Kalu has reacted to the various online reports that the House blocked a motion by the Minority Leader of the House, Rep. Ndudi Elumelu for demanding the resignation of the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami.
Pantami has been on the news recently for his endorsement of terrorists groups and praying to Allah to safeguard world known terrorists like Osama Bin Laden, etc., however, the minister has apologised citing that those statement were made in the past, hence he has changed his views on terrorism.
Following the statement of Pantami, social media has been on fire, section of Nigerians are calling for his resignation for being a terrorist sympathizer.
Endorsing the call, there was a media report that the Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila during a plenary yesterday, blocked a motion by Rep. Ndudi Elumelu where he demanded the resignation of the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami.
Reacting over the reports which has garnered lots of views and readership on social media, Reps Spokesperson, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, in a statement on Thursday, said the House is aware of several publications on online and traditional media claiming that the Speaker of the House blocked a motion by the Minority Leader of the House, Elumelu purportedly demanding the resignation of Isa Pantami.
According to the Member Representing Bende Federal Constituency, “This misrepresentation of facts for the sake of sensationalism has necessitated this statement of clarification”.
The statement read;
“To the avoidance of doubt, the House is guided by the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives (House Rules) in its operations and administration.
“In this case, the Minority Leader has been asked to bring his views via a House motion to enable others contribute to it in true democratic fashion, after which the House would be able to take a position on the
issue.
“It is therefore pertinent to inform Nigerians that the House has not acted in error, but in line with the provisions of its rules.
“All insinuations that the House did not allow democratic debate to take place on the important issue of Pantami’s resignation are simple untrue.
“The House acknowledges the severity of the issue and its nature as a matter of public concern.
“As always, the House stands ready to give audience to Rep. Elumelu or any other member of the House on this issue, provided that such audience is sought through the proper channels and brought under the relevant rules of the House.
