There appears to be another face-off brewing in the House of Representatives between the camps of the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, and the House Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila over the composition and appointment of chairpersons of House committees.

Gbajabiamila has accused Dogara of failing to consult the principal leaders of the House before appointing the chairmen.

The House Majority leader wrote a letter to this effect to Dogara, on October 20.

“I did this because of the incessant rumour that same had been composed. On each occasion you assured me that nothing had been done. From all indications, however, it appears that an announcement of Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen is imminent and such may be done this week.

“Honourable Speaker, I acknowledge your right and prerogative to determine the leadership of the House Committees and I intend to work with you after such determination has been made. I intend and have stated privately and publicly to work with you for the progress of the House.

“However, I am constrained at this point to ask that due consideration is given to the provision of our House Rules, Order 7 Rule 10 paragraph (a) which states that the Speaker shall in consultation with principal officers, appoint chairmen and deputy chairmen from among the members of the committees.

“On the role of the Majority/House Leader: Order 7 Rule 27 (2) c says that the Leader of the House shall ‘liaise with committee chairmen and other functionaries of the House’,” he said.

Premium Times reports that Gbajabiamila revealed that 3 days after he sent the letter, Dogara announced the Chairmen of 96 special and standing committees.