Somalia: Deputy Prime Minister firmly dismisses Senate speaker’s remarks, asserting, “I have no intention of leaving.”

Somalia: "I Ain’t Going Nowhere," Deputy PM Schools Senate Speaker

MOGADISHU, Somalia – The recent declaration to vacate a senate seat is a farce, according to Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama, who’s calling out the Senate leadership’s disregard for protocol in their Saturday announcement.

Jama countered the move, saying he’s played by parliamentary rules without a hitch. “Booting me out? That’s just nonsense, plain and simple,” he claimed, urging Somalis who vibe with peace and stability to shun this baseless decision.

“This act ain’t legit and oversteps what the Speaker can do. Declaring my seat vacant just ’cause I missed a few sittings? That’s just ridiculous.” He emphasized that such decisions need a proper legal process, not knee-jerk reactions.

Senate Speaker Abdi Hashi Abdullahi pointed fingers at Jama for ditching four senate sittings in a row, triggering the decision to show him the door, citing the House’s rules against continued absence.

But this stirred the pot among lawmakers who called the move “unconstitutional” and “questionable.” Some senators reckon Jama’s packed schedule could explain some of his absences.

Talks are ongoing to slide Ibrahim Suleiman Idle into the vacant seat, though senators argue Jama deserves another shot given his hefty national duties.

Speaker Abdi Hashi held his ground, insisting his actions were perfectly in line with parliamentary guidelines. Jama hails from North Western State of Somalia, a region pressing for independence from Somalia.

Source: AXADLETM