Reps step down PIB after rowdy session

The House of Representatives on Thursday stepped down the laying and consideration of the Report of the Conference Committee on Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

The PIB Conference Report which was earlier listed for presentation and consideration was, however, stepped down after the House resumed plenary at the end of an executive session.

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Daily Trust reports that the House earlier witnessed a rowdy session as some lawmakers protests over alleged reduction in the approved percentage accruing to host communities.

The House had earlier voted 5% for host communities in the PIB earlier passed while the Senate passed 3%.

However, a PDP lawmaker, Chinyere Igwe, created a scene on the floor of the House as he was seen protesting and shouting on top of his voice over the alleged reduction of the percentage for host communities from 5% to 3% after the conference committee of both the Senate and the House of Representatives harmonised the document.

The rowdy session began prior to the arrival of the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Even when the Speaker arrived the chamber and took his seat, the rowdy session persisted forcing the Speaker to ask the House to go for an executive session.