Students disrupt House of Reps session

A drama erupted in the House of Representatives on Friday as members of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, protested the recognition of a factional president of the union by the speaker, Yakubu Dogara.

The students, who are believed to be loyal to Chinonso Obasi, a factional NANS president, gained entrance into the lawmaking chamber as members marked the second anniversary of the current House session.

The students yelled “No, no, no” when the speaker addressed Haruna Kadiri as the president of the students association.

They chanted “no, no, no, Obasi is the president of NANS, Kadiri is not our president’’.

The plenary stood still while the sergeants-at-arms and other security agents tried to put the situation under control.

Speaking to journalists after he left the chamber, Mr. Obasi said he was invited to attend the ceremony and wondered why he would be invited alongside Mr. Kadiri.

“Today, I am here on invitation, not on my own, to attend this celebration and I am being embarrassed with another fellow impersonating me,’’ Mr. Obasi said.

The student body has been factionalized for years due to power tussle.

Members of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), protesting against the non-recognition of their factional President, Comrade Chinonso Obasi, during the Second Anniversary of the 8th National Assembly in Abuja on Friday (9/6/17). 03124/9/6/2017/Hogan-Bassey/ICE/NAN

Factional President, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Chinonso Obasi (M), displaying his Invitation Letter, after he was dragged out of the House of Representatives Chamber’s, during the Second Anniversary of the 8th National Assembly in Abuja on Friday (9/6/17). 03125/9/6/2017/Hogan-Bassey/ICE/NAN

Security men preventing factional members of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), led by Comrade Chinonso Obasi, from entering the House of Representatives Chambers, during the Second Anniversary of the 8th National Assembly in Abuja on Friday (9/6/17). 03126/9/6/2017/Hogan-Bassey/ICE/NAN