Federal Reps exchange blows

The sedate chambers of the Nigerian House of Representatives erupted into excitement on Thursday afternoon, after two members of the House exchanged blows during the plenary session of the House.

The Reps, Bernard Udoh (PDP, Akwa Ibom) and Chukwuka Onyema (PDP, Anambra) had, midway into the session, exchanged hot words over an issue which could not be ascertained. They later moved to the lobby to continue with the argument because they were already causing distraction in the chamber.

At the lobby, the lawmakers exchanged blows before the Chief Whip, Emeka Ihedioha, came out from the chamber to intervene.

Journalists covering the proceedings of the House, who noticed the fight and attempted to separate the combatants, were barred by officials from the office of the Serjeant-At-Arms from doing so.

The security officials rough-handled the Channels and The Guardian reporters and chased away onlookers who also attempted to intervene.

Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Eseme Eyiboh who later briefed newsmen on the matter, explained that the fight was a result of "a minor misunderstanding over a normal issue in the Chamber".

Press matters

Meanwhile, the House also took steps to assuage the demands of the Nigerian media in the face of the lawmakers' refusal to pass the Freedom of Information Bill.

At Thursday's sitting, "A Bill for an Act to provide for the Repeal of the Nigerian press Council Act, 1992 and Establish the Nigerian Press and Practice of Journalism Council, to promote High Professional Standards for the Nigerian press, and Deal with Complaints Emanating from members of the public about the conduct of journalism and Media Houses in their professional capacity, or Complaints Emanating from press about the conduct of persons, organisations or Institution of government towards the press and the matter connected therein,'' scaled the second reading.