In a shocking moment of parliamentary slip-up, veteran lawmaker Collins Dauda accidentally referred to Deputy Minority Whip Jerry Ahmed Shaib as a “witch” during a debate on the floor of Parliament.
The incident occurred on Friday, August 1, 2025, when Dauda was making a submission on a matter involving Ali Jarrah. In his statement, he began to say, “Mr Speaker, with regards to Ali Jarrah, the situation that has been described to us by the Deputy Minority witch…” before correcting himself and adding, “I meant to say Deputy Minority Whip.” The Speaker acknowledged the retraction, saying, “He has corrected himself. Yes, he has withdrawn.”
The unexpected slip sent waves of laughter through the chamber, as MPs enjoyed the comic relief in an otherwise serious proceeding.
The controversy surrounding the remark highlights the importance of careful language and respect in parliamentary debates. As lawmakers strive to make meaningful contributions to the nation’s governance, they must avoid such gaffes that can lead to misunderstandings and offense.
