House Members Reject Bankole: (L-R) Hon. George Daika, Hon. Bitrus Kaze, Hon Austin Nwachukwu, Hon. West Idahosa, Hon Abbas Anas Adamu, and Hon. Meleyia Dino members of House Progressive addressing Pressmen as they give Speaker Dimeji Bankole 7 days Ultimatum to vacate his office on the allegation of corruption at National Assembly Abuja. Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan.

By Luka Binniyat
ABUJA — THE crisis in the House of Representatives took a dramatic turn, yesterday, as some of the members gave the Speaker,  Mr. Dimeji Bankole, seven days to resign or be disgraced out.

The group, which styles itself as the “the progressives” in the House of Representatives, said they had incontrovertible facts and documents to incriminate Bankole, if he failed to resign honourably within the given period

However, the leadership of the House of Representatives immediately issued a statement, accusing the group of only serving its interest and not that of the members.

Leader of the group,  Dino Melaye, PDP, Kogi, who addressed newsmen, said the Speaker had the worst leadership style and qualities since 1999.

He said: “This is a clarion call to right the wrong of legislative practice in the House of Representatives, and all the negativity, as a result of bad leadership. We state unequivocally, that the House of Representatives you read about in 1999 up to the time that Bankole became Speaker, is not the same today.

“The public perception of the House has declined. We used to be pacesetters of legislative practice in this country, but it is obvious that we have been overtaken because of the ineptitude of leadership.

Negative manifestations

“Because of all these negative manifestations, those  under Bankole, has nose-dived and lost its earned positive reputation. We, therefore, call on Bankole to resign immediately as the Speaker within seven days.”

House of Representatives Speaker, Dimeji Bankole

Melaye added: “This group has overwhelming evidence, information here, (holding up a green file with a bunch of documents), everything you see here. This file contains incriminating records that we will publish. We will give to you the media. I want to assure you that in seven days, we will write a petition that every member, including those on recess will sign, and we will send it to EFCC, ICPC,  NSA, SSS and indeed,  PDP.

“This is no child’s play. We have resolved to clean our House. We have resolved and are determined that he who comes to equity must come with clean hands. And we have resolved that the evidence will be given to each of you. And we are ready to defend it anywhere and anytime.”

On his part, West Idahosa, PDP, Edo, said: Hon. Dino has captured the very bitter feeling of members of the House of Representatives. Many of you are privileged to know that I had the privilege of writing the rules together with my colleagues in 1999. And thereafter, I have served all other Speakers.”

“But I would say that had the misfortune of serving in this era. We have never had it so bad. We have never had such a legislative tyranny as we do have now. Do not be surprised that as soon as we brief you, we may be earmarked to face that committee over one allegation or the other.

“But, let me tell you, we will rather die than to lose our courage to speak the truth to those who trample on our dignity and becoming very ruthless in the face of truth.”

Representatives in attendance included Solomon Awhhinawhi, PDP, Delta; Asita Positive, PDP, Rivers; Darlintgon Okereke, PDP, Ebonyi, and Austin Nwachukwo, PDP, Imo.

Others were Bitru Kaze, PDP, Plateau; Anas Adamu, PDP, Jigawa; Ralph Okeke, PDP, Anambra; and Independence Ogunewe, PDP, Imo.

However, the Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Eseme Eyiboh, in a statement noted: “The attention of the leadership of the House of Representatives has been drawn to activities of some self styled ‘progressives’ in the House who misled the perceptive public with their proverbial ‘ostrich display’ of selfish tendencies in the guise of public interest.

“Their activities could best be swan song from an orchestra, but they are advised to avail themselves with the House Rules and extant provisions of the relevant status.

“The present leadership is a creature and creation of the generality of the House and the present synergy culminating in the successful constitution review vindicate the acceptability of the leadership. These progressives should vacate their theatre or be absolved and come join other discernible members to complement the current legislative engagement for executive actions.”