Proceedings in the National Assembly were suspended for 30 minutes on Tuesday after lawmakers engaged in a prolonged debate over whether the Deputy Speaker should continue presiding while a matter linked to a petition concerning him was being raised.
The disagreement began when the Minority leader sought to move a motion relating to a petition reportedly connected to allegations against the Deputy Speaker.
Some lawmakers argued that, in the interest of natural justice and fairness, the Deputy Speaker should temporarily step aside and allow another member to preside over discussions on the matter.
They maintained that because the issue directly concerned the occupant of the Chair, it would be appropriate for him to recuse himself while the Assembly considered the matter.
However, the Deputy Speaker rejected the suggestion, arguing that the petition had not yet been formally considered by the Assembly or referred to any committee.
He said there was no conflict of interest requiring him to step aside.
"The matter is not before Parliament," he told members, insisting that proper procedures should be followed before any substantive discussion could take place.
Several lawmakers supported the Deputy Speaker's position, arguing that members should not pre-empt any decision on the admissibility of the petition or the process that would follow. They urged the Assembly to proceed with the day's scheduled business and allow the petition to take its normal course.
Others, however, continued to press for a discussion on the issue, leading to a series of points of order and exchanges across the chamber.
As the debate dragged on, some members expressed concern about the amount of time being spent on procedural arguments instead of legislative business. Calls were made for party leaders and Assembly leadership to meet briefly and find a way forward.
Following further deliberations, a motion was made to suspend the sitting. The Deputy Speaker subsequently announced a 30-minute suspension of proceedings.
