Reps condemn Buhari over Senate President's alleged forgery saga

chika ebuzor

June 21, 2016 8:23 PM

The lawmakers also called on the executive to maintain the principles of separation of power as contained in the constitution.

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They referred to the alleged forgery case as an internal matter, adding that the Federal Government was dabbling into the affairs of the Senate.

The lawmakers also wondered why the government insisted on prosecuting the principal officers despite a Federal High court ruling that the matter is an internal affair.

The Reps said the move by the executive is a calculated attempt to rubbish the National Assembly.

The House of Representatives also issued a resolution saying “The House strongly urges Mr. President, who has sworn to an oath to defend and protect the constitution, to prevail on the members of the executive council to desist from further steps that will cripple the National Assembly.

“These include prosecuting the presiding officers of the Senate over alleged forgery of Senate Rules, which a competent court of law has also recognised as strictly the ‘internal affair of the National Assembly’, and which judgement has not been set aside by any superior court.”

Citing other instances of disregard for the National Assembly, the Representatives observed that ministers and heads of agencies ignored invitations to appear before committees for oversight.

“It is now commonplace that ministers and heads of parastatals ignore invitations by committees at will.

“The House committees have therefore been rendered toothless because no consequences are attached to such wanton refusal of ministers to attend sessions.”

The Federal Government recently slammed fresh forgery charges on Saraki and Ekweremadu.

You will recall that the Senate President, Bukola Saraki and Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu were accused in 2015, of forging the Senate standing order to pave way for their emergence as leaders of the Upper chambers.

chika ebuzor