The embattled Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal was on Thursday prevented by security operatives from entering the National Assembly Complex to preside over a special session of the House.
Tambuwal had on Tuesday recalled members of the Lower Chamber from recess to consider President Goodluck Jonathan’s request for extension of emergency rule in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States.
But earlier, security operatives had taken over the National Assembly complex, a move seen as aimed at preventing the Speaker from gaining access to preside over the special session.
When it was glaring that the security operatives would not allow his vehicles in, the Speaker abandoned his vehicle and walked from the gate towards the Chamber in company of some lawmakers.
At this point, the police released teargas, causing pandemonium as lawmakers including Senators scampered for safety.
Prior to adjourning plenary for one month on October 28, Tambuwal had formally announced his defection to the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Before I hit the gavel on the motion for adjournment, I want to make this formal announcement to this House. Based on the provision of the 1999 constitution and having regards to the development of PDP in my own state, Sokoto State, I hereby announce my membership with the All Progressives Congress (APC),” he said.
Reacting to the development, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party had called on him to do the “needful” by resigning his position as Speaker of the House.
But, the APC rose in his defence, insisting he will not resign since the constitution did not state expressly that the ruling party will produce the Speaker.
The following day, the Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba, ordered the wthidrawal of the Speaker’s security aides, citing constitutional provision.
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