Hon. Alhassan Tampuli Sulemana and Hon. Jerry Ahmed Shaib clashed with the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development at the Government Assurance Committee Sitting.

The minister, Hon. Emelia Arthur, appeared before the committee on Tuesday, March 17, at the parliament house, as it sought updates on assurances, promises, and undertakings.

In a light-hearted moment during the sitting, Hon. Arthur made a comment off-mic to which the Gushegu MP, Hon. Sulemana, seemed not to appreciate, and also had Hon. Shaib accusing the minister of disrespect.

“My colleague MP was a National Service Person when I was serving on the National Service Scheme Board,” said Hon. Arthur, as she soon followed with the comment—”small boy”, leaving Hon. Sulemana retorting that he will turn 50 years old in May.

The minister explained her words were meant for jest and withdrew her comment upon the request of the chairman of the committee, Hon. Dominic Nitiwul Bingab Aduna.

“My colleague MP was a National Service Person when I was serving on the National Service Scheme Board—Small boy”

-During yesterday’s Public Assurance Committee Sitting, a member of the committee, Hon. Alhassan Tampuli Sulemana clashed with the Minister for Fisheries and… pic.twitter.com/05RtBN1iDN

— SIKAOFFICIAL🦍 (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) March 18, 2026