Reps clash over call for el-Zakzaky’s release
The House of Representatives has invited security and service chiefs over the violent protests by members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, also known as Shi’ites.
At the plenary on Tuesday, the lawmakers debated the activities of the Shi’ites and their recent attacks on the National Assembly, security agents and government properties
The lawmakers also voted out a prayer by Mr Haman Hembe, asking the Federal Government to obey the order by various courts to release leader of the Islamic sect, Sheikh Ibraheem el-Zakzaky.
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Another lawmaker, Linda Ikpeazu, made another prayer directing the Kaduna State Government to obey similar court orders.
The Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, had put the prayer to a voice vote and the nays had it. Supporters of the prayers had protested, forcing the presiding officer to call for a division of the House.
The division, which is usually called when those for and against a matter cannot be clearly determined through voice vote, means that lawmakers would be asked to relocate to either sides of the aisle based on their votes.
Shortly after calling for a division and the lawmakers had started taking positions in the chamber, the Speaker asked that the process be done behind closed doors, asking the sergeants-at-arms to usher non-members out of the chamber and gallery.
