The valedictory session organised by the House of
Representatives, on Friday, to mark the second anniversary of the 8th National
Assembly, was stalled for over 10 minutes over students’ politics.
Both chambers of the National Assembly had dedicated Friday,
9th June, 2017, to valedictory session, whereby, spouses of the lawmakers were
invited, alongside past lawmakers and leaders of major political parties.
While the session was going on smoothly at the Senate, the
green chamber had a rowdy session, which greatly embarrassed the guests.
Trouble started when, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara
acknowledged the presence of Comrade Kadiri Haruna and referred to him as
National President of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
Another group of students who were already sitted at the
gallery of the House, echoed with a loud voice, saying “No, no, our President
is here”, pointing at Comrade Chinonso Obasi.
This stalled the proceeding as the echoes from the gallery
would not allow the speaker to continue, until he made proper introduction of
the “authentic” NANS President.
Efforts made by Hon. Herman Hembe and other former leaders
of NANS, to calm the storm proved abortive.
It took the efforts of the Sergeants at Arm and security
operatives working at the National Assembly Complex, to prevent the students
from reinforcing.
This, however, didn’t stop them from protesting at the
entrance of the chambers.
It could be recalled that, the student body has been
enmeshed in a power tussle for a long while, which has polarised the union.
By Yemi Itodo
