Ajaokuta: Reps pass vote of no confidence on Fayemi, Bwari
The House of Representatives yesterday passed a vote of no confidence on the two ministers in the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Kayode Fayemi and Abubakar Bawa Bwari.
The lawmakers were angry that the two ministers boycotted an invitation personally signed by Speaker Yakubu Dogara to attend plenary session yesterday as part of debate on ways to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Company.
They said by their action, the two ministers have confirmed allegations that they were set to concession the steel plant to cronies at a give-away amount.
The lawmakers said it was unfortunate and a clear case of contempt of the parliament for Fayemi and Bwari to say they would not attend the session due to other engagements, when their ministry was at the centre stage of the Ajaokuta Company.
Due to the contemptuous attitude, the lawmakers said, the two ministers would not be granted any form of audience henceforth by the House.
Thus, the lawmakers resolved to constitute an adhoc panel to investigate reasons behind the failure of the company and the role of the two ministers in the allegations of under hand dealings on plans to concession the steel plant.
Speaker Yakubu Dogara had at the opening of the session told his colleagues that the ministers said they would not attend the session due to other serious engagements, saying it was a clear case of boycott.
Speaking, House Leader Femi Gbajabiamila, who moved the motion for the vote of no confidence and the investigation, said he considered the ministers’ attitude as contempt of the House.
“You personally signed the letter to them; unfortunately none of the ministers could sign their reply. Rather, they asked the Permanent Secretary to respond to you two weeks after.
“The invitation that hasn’t been honoured is a serious contempt. This presentation gives ample opportunity for fair hearing. There are allegations. I believe we should take this matter seriously. Whatever we should do here today should be moved to a powerful investigative hearing.
“I will personally take it as an assault to the common sense of this country for the two ministers to ignore and scorn an invitation of this chamber.” Meanwhile, the Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (House of Reps), Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila said President Muhammadu Buhari would never support what the ministers did.
He said all heads of ministries and agencies were directed to always liaise with the presidential liaison office at the National Assembly, whenever there was such issue, but that in the instance case, no contact was made.
“There was no any directive from Villa or Mr President stopping heads of agencies or ministers from attending any legislative engagement called by the National Assembly. Mr President recognizes the constitutionality of separation of powers, and we respect the National Assembly.
“What you saw today (yesterday), I don’t know the reason that the two ministers arrived at before deciding not to appear before the House. I wasn’t contacted by the ministers or anyone.”