Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu on Tuesday disclosed that all members of the parliament are equal irrespective of their political affiliations, and economic or social backgrounds.
The Deputy Speaker gave the clarification with respect to the development that occurred during the Wednesday plenary where the member representing Bonny/Degema federal constituency of Rivers State, Hon. Cyril Hart alleged that preferential treatment is accorded to the ranking members over the first timers.
He said that being a presiding officer, principal officer or chairman of a committee is a privilege granted by both the leave of the House and the mandate of the members, emphasizing that the position does not presuppose superiority.
He, therefore, stated that there is no discrimination against any member whether old or new, ranking or no ranking.
Kalu who swiftly responded that there was “no discrimination in parliament” further clarified that the row where the member was sitting had earlier been given an opportunity to speak, stressing that other rows also needed to be accommodated.
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The Deputy Speaker added that members are however recognized to make their valuable contributions to debates based on their sitting arrangement and not by their age, tribe, geopolitical zones, political or legislative experience.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, the Deputy Speaker said that the presiding officers are not bosses to the members but only servant-leaders committed to upholding democratic ethos and tenets by providing the needed direction to help realize the mandate of the House in the overall interest of the country.
Hon. Kalu emphasized that the 10th House under the able leadership of Hon. Tajudeen Abbas will continue to be fair, just and open to every member and ensure that all voices are heard.
He stressed that their privileged positions as first among equals do not elevate them higher and above their colleagues, assuring that the members will always be accorded the needed respect and recognition in the spirit of equality and brotherhood.
