Senate President David Mark has ordered an immediate closure of the National Assembly. The order was necessitated by heightened tension and chaos at the National Assembly, following the blocking of embattled Speaker Tambuwal from entering the chamber to preside over the day’s sitting by armed security men.
The tension-filled drama resulted in pandemonium as the security men also blocked most of Tambuwal’s loyalists from entering the chamber while allowing the Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha, and other members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the chamber.
As we earlier reported, twenty members of the oppostion party, loyal to the Speaker, had to scale the fence into the chamber.
As the drama unfolded, members loyal to Tambuwal, overpowered the armed security men, forced Tambuwal into the chamber for the sitting, thus, prevented Emeka Ihedioha from presiding over the sitting.
The security men shot tear gas to scare the people.
Tambuwal is facing stiff opposition from the presidency and members of the National Assembly on the platform of the PDP because he defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, immediately the Speaker gained access into the chambers, he held a short meeting with Senate President, David Mark, who paid him a solidarity visit.
Consequently, the Senate President, who is the Chairman of the National Assembly, announced the closure of the legislative arm of government, till tuesday. Thus, preventing a further escalation of the crisis.
via @imamdimam
Hon Kawu Sumaila, dep minority leader of the House of Reps, climbing NASS gate to have access to the premises
Speaker of the House of Reps, Aminu Tambuwal (R) puts a handkerchief over his nose after being teargassed by policemen
Tear gas in the Assembly premises
