According to Channels Television, Cyril Hart, a member representing Bonny/Degema Federal Constituency of Rivers State, walked out of the plenary. Hart, affiliated with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accused Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu of sidelining first-time legislators during debates.
“I have noticed Mr Speaker, with due respect to you. Each time you preside, you do not give preference to first-timers,” a visibly frustrated Hart declared. His outburst followed a motion by Ahmadu Jaha, a veteran lawmaker representing Damboa/Gwoza/Chibok Federal Constituency of Borno State, condemning a recent suicide bombing in Gwoza that left at least 32 people dead.
Hart pointed out that all the contributions to Jaha’s motion came from seasoned legislators. “The mover of the motion is an old, ranking member. Virtually everyone who contributed here were ranking members,” he said. Hart highlighted prominent figures like Idris Wase, Chairman of the House Committee on Navy, and Babajimi Benson, Chairman of the Committee on Defence, who spoke on the motion, asserting their dominance over the debate.
Expressing his discontent, Hart urged Kalu to provide opportunities for newer members to voice their perspectives, arguing that they could offer valuable insights. “You need to allow for fresh ideas. Some of us know more than the old-ranking members. Allow us to speak. This is always what you do and I don’t like it,” Hart stated. Despite offering to contribute to the discussion on the critical issue of national security, Hart was not recognized to speak.
In response, Kalu dismissed the allegations of bias, stating, “Thank you very much. There is no discrimination in the parliament. It depends on when you raise your hand and the area you are focusing on. Sometimes, we give one per role. I was also a first-timer at a time and I know that I was not discriminated against.”
Kalu then moved the motion to a vote. Dissatisfied, Hart exited the chamber, ignoring attempts by colleagues to persuade him to stay.