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Speaker Tambuwal Presides Over Short Session House Despite Teargas, Mark Shuts National Assembly

November 20, 2014

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, beat off various odds today, including being tear-gassed, to convene a meeting and preside over it.

Mr. Tambuwal, who was initially prevented by policemen and soldiers upon arrival from entering the National Assembly complex, was assisted by members of the House loyal to him to beat their cordon after a rancorous argument with the police commissioner in charge of Abuja.

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Their forceful entry led the police to teargas the Speaker and his supporters. 

Like a scene out of a movie, the members ran into the national Assembly complex hid the Speaker in a room before the Sergeant-at-Arms forced the police to leave the building. While the commotion was going on at the first gate, a new set of legislators locked out by the police scaled the second gate of the National Assembly to reinforce Mr. Tambuwal’s defence.

A few minutes after gaining entry into the House, members met briefly to consider a request by President Goodluck Jonathan for an extension of the state of emergency in three northeastern states.  The members quickly agreed that the chaotic situation would not permit a robust debate.  They then adjourned till December 3, 2014.

Shortly after the adjournment, the President of the Senate, David Mark, closed down the National Assembly, citing insecurity of lawmakers.

Mr. Tambuwal was then accompanied by several lawmakers including Senators, to his official residence in order to prevent the security agencies from arresting or molesting him.