APC reps file suit against Speaker over House Orders

Crises may be brewing once again in the House of Representatives as eleven lawmakers, all members of the ‘loyalists’ group, have dragged the Speaker, Honorable Yakubu Dogara, before an Abuja High Court, challenging his powers to suspend members, as granted by the new standing orders of the House.

The lawmakers queried the power of the Speaker to suspend any member who approaches the mace for any intent, and to suspend for thirty days, any member who fails to obey the directive of the presiding officer. The lawmakers want the court to declare the reviewed Standing Orders of the House as null, void and unconstitutional. Under the new provisions passed by the House on the eighth of October, 2015, a member approaching the mace under whatever guise can earn themselves a suspension from legislative activities for six months or for as long as may be determined by the Speaker.