Reps ban mace-snatching, phone calls, cameras

The House of Representatives has introduced new rules against bad conduct by members in a renewed move to instil discipline and curb rowdiness in the House.

The Reps introduced new rules into the Standing Orders of the House, including outlawing the common practice of rushing to snatch or break the mace at the slightest provocation,   The PUNCH learnt on Sunday.

Any House member who seizes or break the mace henceforth would be suspended for six months with the new rules giving the Speaker power to extend such suspension for as long as he pleases.

The mace is the “sacred authority” of the House and its presence gives legal backing to decisions taken by the legislature. Lawmakers, taking cognisance of this, often rush for the mace to destroy it whenever there is disorder so that the presiding officer is left without authority.

Specifically, Order X (71) now has sub-rules 13-15, outlawing mace-snatching.

The new sub-rules read, “The mace is the sacred authority of the House and only authorised staff of the Sergeant-at-Arms may approach, handle or remove it in the ordinary course of their official duties.

“No member of the House or his agent may approach, handle or remove the mace under any circumstances.

“Any member who approaches or handles the mace with whatever intent, including to remove or who removes the mace shall be liable to suspension from the service of the House for a period not less than six months or such longer period as the Speaker or Chairman may consider expedient having regard to the particular circumstances.”

A copy of the new rules obtained by our correspondent in Abuja on Sunday also indicated that it was an offence for members to use cameras or mobile telephone handsets while in the chamber.

Some lawmakers are known to take selfies while debates on serious national issues are on.

A particular female member of the Eight House from one of the South-South states is known to spend more time on selfies than debating bills, motions or sponsoring them.

Some male members, also make endless calls or take photographs while in the chamber.

But, a new rule 72 (3) has put an end to selfie-taking in the chamber.

“No member shall operate cameras, tape recorders, telephones and other communications equipment in the chamber or during committee meetings except strictly for legislative purposes,” the new rule stated.

Similarly, the rule against use of dangerous weapons has been expanded to include all instruments capable of causing harm.

Sub-rule 2 prohibits members from entering the chamber or the “precincts of the House of Representatives with guns, daggers, grenades, knives or any other weapons or instrument of violence.”

Furthermore, committees of the House are required to hold joint sittings on matters referred to them to avoid duplication of functions.

In the past, ministers and other heads of agencies could be summoned to appear before several committees of the House to address issues with almost similar subjects.

But, a new rule 112 (2) added to Order XVII discourages such a practice by directing committees to hold joint hearings.