Tension erupted in the House of Representatives on Tuesday during debate on a motion to counter what was described as “misleading international narratives” about religious killings in Nigeria.
This follows recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump designating Nigeria as a "Country of Particular Concern" for alleged violations of religious freedom.
The motion was moved by Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, who represents Ogbomoso North, South, and Orire Federal Constituency of Oyo State, and seconded by Hon. Muktar Tolani Shagaya, representing Ilorin West/ Asa Federal Constituency.
Alao-Akala said the motion was necessary to correct false impressions abroad that Nigeria is divided along religious lines or that the government tolerates religious persecution.
The debate soon turned heated during the voice vote, after the lawmakers opposed to the motion outnumbered those in support with their shouts of “Nay.”
The deputy speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who presided over plenary, however, allowed the motion to proceed, saying, “The Ayes have it.”
This admission caused the House to become rowdy, with the lawmakers exchanging words.
The deputy speaker was eventually forced to call for a closed-door session to calm tensions and continue deliberations privately.
