READ THEN WATCH VIDEO:Opposition Parties to Return to the House

The opposition lawmakers walked out of the house after the Deputy Speaker, Dr Tulia Ackson, objected the request by Arumeru East MP, Mr Joshua Nassari, to stop the business then at hand to debate the issue of the University of Dodoma students who were sent home.

National NCCR-Mageuzi Chairman, Mr James Mbatia, told a joint press conference in Dar es Salaam today that the opposition parties had agreed to work on the religious leaders' request in consideration of national interests.

"Since we greatly respect the religious leaders, all lawmakers from four political parties (NCCR-Mageuzi, Chadema, CUF and ACT-Wazalendo) will meet to discuss their request before the September 6 sessions," said Mr Mbatia, who is also MP for Vunjo.

He observed that disunity among the lawmakers that started in the National Assembly had trickled to members of the public, pointing out that such a situation has reached a stage where opposition parties boycotted an Iftar (meal to break the fast) hosted by the Prime Minister, Mr Kassim Majaliwa.