By: IndyPress News Desk 

A new standing order was adopted by the 13th Assembly of the Great Independence Hall of Residence, University of Ibadan, IndyPress reports.

The new standing order is a 25-page document, which contains fourteen legislative orders.

Standing orders are permanent rules that govern “how a parliament, council, or organization conducts its business, including debates, voting, and decision-making.”

Strict Conduct Rules at Sittings

The Legislative Council has reinforced strict guidelines for conduct during its sittings, emphasizing professionalism, decorum, and adherence to protocol.

In the standing order, members are expected to uphold the highest standards, ensuring that no behavior brings ridicule or disrepute to the Council. Also, proper entry and exit procedures must also be followed to maintain order.

To maintain discipline, the Council has prohibited smoking, drinking, and chewing substances during meetings, except for water consumption. Reading unrelated materials such as newspapers is also not allowed.

Additionally, all electronic devices must be on silent mode, with any sound disruptions requiring an apology. Repeating the offense will result in fines.

Council members have also been mandated to communicate respectfully, refraining from offensive or insulting language.

Equally all members must be seated before the arrival of the Mace and stand as a sign of respect.

The Council reserved the right to summon individuals, including committee members and residents, for discussions on relevant matters.

Attendance and movement regulations have also been tightened. The standing order notes that members must obtain permission from the Speaker through the Chief Whip before leaving a meeting. A maximum of three exits is permitted per session; exceeding this limit without approval may result in being marked absent. Permanent exits require a written request, while the Speaker’s departure is subject to a majority vote.

The Mace and Gavel, symbolizing the Council’s authority, are under strict custodianship. The Chief Whip is responsible for the Mace, with the Deputy Speaker assuming this role when necessary. The Speaker holds the Gavel, and members are not allowed to leave until the Mace has been escorted out. A formal procession is followed when moving the Mace in and out of the chamber.

Additionally, reports presented to the Council must be properly signed before adoption. Presenters must approach the Mace, bow before it, and submit the document to the Chief Whip. These measures aim to uphold order and reinforce the Council’s commitment to professionalism.

Speaker’s Role and Authority Strengthened in New Council Guidelines

The new standing order has reinforced the functions and powers of the Speaker, emphasizing the Speaker’s authority as the first member and Chair of the Council. The Speaker, is recognized and responsible for moderating all Council meetings unless unavoidably absent, in which case the Deputy Speaker takes over. In such instances, the Speaker must send a formal notification stating the reason for absence, which will be read at the beginning of the meeting.

The office of the Speaker is “deemed inviolate” and must be respected by all Council members. To ensure order during meetings, no member is allowed to speak without the Speaker’s permission. Members wishing to contribute to discussions must indicate by raising a hand.

The Speaker also has significant discretionary powers, including the “guillotine” and “kangaroo” privileges. The guillotine allows the Speaker to permanently disallow a debate in the interest of peace, order, and governance. The kangaroo power enables the Speaker to defer a debate to a future meeting. Additionally, the Speaker has the right to overrule decisions made by the Council, but such overrules can be declared null and void if challenged by a member and overturned by a two-thirds majority vote.

Further reinforcing discipline, in the new standing order, all Council members must remain seated in silence when the Speaker stands, except for the Chief Whip, who may stand when necessary. The Speaker also holds the authority to order any unruly member to leave the meeting to maintain decorum.

More details to follow.