Tension flared in Nigeria’s House of Representatives on Tuesday when Labour Party lawmaker, Obinna Aguocha, clashed with Speaker Abbas Tajudeen over his attempt to raise an urgent motion on the failing health of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The chamber had barely settled after its annual recess when Aguocha, who represents Umuahia North/South/Ikwuano Federal Constituency, took the floor to warn that “Kanu is on the verge of death.”
He told lawmakers that since 26 August, he had written to the Speaker, President Bola Tinubu, and Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi without a single response.
“Reports from his doctors and the Nigerian Medical Association confirm organ deficiencies and dangerously low potassium levels,” he said, reminding the House that court-ordered medical reports had affirmed the same.
Aguocha urged Tajudeen to intervene, warning that “it is a matter of life and death.”
But the Speaker objected, insisting the issue was not properly presented under the House’s “matter of privilege.” “You have access to my office. This is not the kind of issue to bring by way of privilege,” Tajudeen said.
As Aguocha tried to press on, the exchange grew heated. His microphone was eventually turned off. “You are ruled out of order. Listen to the gavel,” the Speaker said firmly.
The tension eased only when Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu stepped in. He appealed for calm and urged that the matter be brought before the House “in the proper format” later in the week. Tajudeen later agreed, clarifying that his objection was purely procedural.
“Anytime you are ready to bring it up properly, we will give you all the time to present,” he said.
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