Lawmaker accuses vice president of bias and leaves Congress

House of Representatives member Cyril Hart on Tuesday accused Vice President Ben Kalu of marginalizing first-timers during debates on the House floor.

Mr Hart, who represents the Bonny/Degema Federal Constituency in Rivers State for the first time, made the allegation against Mr Kalu during a debate on the recent suicide bombings in Borno State.

The motion on suicide bombings was moved by Ahmed Jaha (APC, Borno).

During the debate on the motion, Mr Kalu allowed former Vice President Idris Wase, Chairman of the Navy Committee Yusuf Gagdi and Chairman of the Defence Committee Babajimi Benson to make contributions.

Despite several indications from members who wished to speak on the motion, Mr Kalu said he could not allow further debate due to time constraints.

But as he was about to put the motion to a vote, Mr Hart raised a point of order.

Mr Hart, citing a personal explanation, accused the vice-chairman of being biased against new members and claimed that only senior members were allowed to speak on the motion.

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He said it has become standard practice whenever Mr Kalu presides to give preference to senior members.

“There’s no preference given to first-timers… there’s no preference given,” Hart said as some lawmakers on the floor applauded.

“This is what is always done. We have to take into account those who come for the first time,” he said.

Responding to the allegation, Mr Kalu said: “There is no discrimination in Parliament.”

Not satisfied with the decision, Mr Hart continued to speak despite the chairman turning off his microphone and stormed out of the room in protest.