Mogadishu (WDN)– The Speaker of the House of the People of the Federal Parliament, Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur (Madobe), has referred the parliamentary seat HOP#201—currently held by MP Abiib—back to the Committee on Rules of Procedure, Welfare, Ethics, and Immunities for further review and recommendations. The move has triggered an immediate and sharp backlash from opposition lawmakers.

In a statement issued on April 29, 2025, the Speaker justified the referral as a procedural necessity, citing the need for the committee to provide advisory input before the matter is brought back to the House for a final decision. While specific details about the grounds for the referral were not made public, sources inside the parliament suggest it may relate to disputes over the legitimacy or conduct of MP Abiib’s tenure.

The Committee on Rules and Ethics plays a pivotal role in evaluating matters involving parliamentary discipline, ethical breaches, and the legal standing of Members of Parliament. Returning a seat for review is not a common practice and often signals significant concerns or political maneuvering behind the scenes.

Opposition members swiftly condemned the Speaker’s decision, calling it a politically motivated attack aimed at undermining dissenting voices within the chamber. Several MPs aligned with the opposition bloc accused Speaker Madobe of using procedural tools to target MPs who have publicly criticized the current administration.

“This is a dangerous precedent and a clear attempt to silence opposition,” said one opposition MP, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Referring a sitting MP’s seat back to committee without transparency is both unconstitutional and unethical.”

Critics argue the decision reflects growing tensions between the Speaker’s office and members of the opposition, who have increasingly voiced frustration over what they describe as the erosion of parliamentary independence under the current leadership.

As the committee begins its review, political observers say the outcome could have broader implications for parliamentary integrity and balance of power. If the seat is ultimately vacated or suspended, it may further escalate the standoff between the ruling faction and opposition MPs.

The Speaker’s office has not yet commented on the timeline for the committee’s findings or when the issue will be returned to the House for debate.

This latest development adds to a series of disputes within Somalia’s federal parliament, where internal political rivalries continue to overshadow efforts at national unity and governance reform.

WardheerNews