Lagos Trade Fair Complex Probe Sparks Turf War In Reps

The House of Representatives on Tuesday witnessed a heated debate over which committee should investigate alleged ir­regularities in the allocation and management of the Lagos Inter­national Trade Fair Complex.

The disagreement, which briefly turned the plenary into a rowdy session, centred on wheth­er the investigation should be han­dled by the House Committee on Public Assets or the Committee on Commerce.

The controversy arose from a motion of urgent public impor­tance sponsored by Ademorin Kuye, who sought a probe into the alleged illegal sale of gov­ernment assets at the Trade Fair Complex.

In his motion, Kuye proposed that the Committee on Public Assets should conduct the inves­tigation.

However, the Chairman, Com­mittee on Rules and Business, Francis Waive, raised a point of order, arguing that matters concerning trade fairs fall under the purview of the Committee on Commerce as outlined in the House Standing Orders.

His submission sparked a sharp exchange among lawmak­ers, with members split over which committee had proper jurisdiction.

Chairman of the House Com­mittee on Navy, Yusuf Gagdi, countered Waive’s position, cit­ing Order 109, Rules 1 and 2 of the House Standing Rules, which, he argued, give the Committee on Public Assets oversight of all government-owned properties, whether within or outside the country.

“The Lagos Trade Fair Com­plex is a public property of the Federal Government. If you check Order 109, it clearly states that the Committee on Public Assets oversees ministries and agencies responsible for the management and disposal of public assets,” Gagdi argued.

Disagreeing, Mark Esset maintained that the facility falls squarely under the Committee on Commerce, since it operates as a commercial enterprise.

“Trade fair is not a public asset being sold; it is a commercial enti­ty. The House Rules, on page 153, clearly list it under the functions of the Committee on Commerce. If the House erred in an earlier decision, we have the power to reverse it,” Esset said.

Deputy Minority Whip, Ali Isa, appealed for calm, urging members to respect due process and the guidance of the Rules and Business Committee.

He proposed a joint committee led by Commerce, with Public As­sets and other relevant commit­tees participating.

His suggestion was, however, not adopted.

Instead, Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Min­erals, Gbefwi Gaza (SDP, Nasara­wa), proposed that the Committee on Public Assets should take the lead since the motion involved the ownership and possible sale of federal property.