The Attorney General of Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, on Thursday slammed the Senate over the ongoing trial on forgery of the Senate’s Standing Rules, saying the Red Chamber lacks the jurisdiction to meddle in the matter.
The Federal Government had dragged Bukola Saraki, his deputy Ike Ekweremadu; the outgoing clerk to the National Assembly, Salisu Maikasuwa and the deputy clerk, Ben Efeturi, to the FCT High Court over alleged forgery of Rules book.
Trying to play smart, the Senate had invited AGF Malami to appear before its Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters to explain why he had to act in the "internal affairs" of the legislature.
But Okoi Obono-Oblo, Special Assistant to the President on Public Prosecution, who represented Malami, told the Senate Committee that the matter had gone beyond the Senate.
According to Obono-Oblo, neither the Committee nor the Senate has jurisdiction over a matter in court.
He said: “This committee has no jurisdiction on this matter. It is clearly beyond it.”
He informed the Committee that Malami, whom he intended to represent at the session, is not answerable to the Senate.
Obono-Obla, who was asked to leave due to his stand, blasted the Senators in a chat with newsmen:
“The AG has not done anything wrong. The AG has not undermined democracy. He acted pursuant to his powers vested on him by the Constitution. Section 174 (1) says he can prosecute anybody.
“And he has done that. The Senate is not on trial. He has not taken the Senate to court. He has taken four persons to court. They are not the Senate.
“And he has done that. The Senate is not on trial. He has not taken the Senate to court. He has taken four persons to court. They are not the Senate.
“Being President of the Senate does not make you the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The matter was investigated by the police and a prima facie case was established and the AG invoked his powers under Section 174 (1) to initiate criminal proceedings against those persons.
“And this matter is now before a court of law. There is separation of powers in Nigeria. It is not the position of the Senate to constitute themselves into a court of law.”
When newsmen sought to know whether the matter is the internal affairs of the Senate or not, Malami’s representative said: “It is not true. If I go to the chambers of the National Assembly to shoot you, would it be an internal affair?
“The Senate Rule is a law and somebody allegedly forged the rules."
On the issue of not inviting Saraki by the police, he said: “It doesn’t matter. So, let him go and tell that to the court. That is why he should hands off and allow the court to hear this matter. At the end of the day, if it is established that this charge is frivolous, the court will discharge him.
“But not to take the position that the AG has committed any crime. He’s not answerable to them."
“And this matter is now before a court of law. There is separation of powers in Nigeria. It is not the position of the Senate to constitute themselves into a court of law.”
When newsmen sought to know whether the matter is the internal affairs of the Senate or not, Malami’s representative said: “It is not true. If I go to the chambers of the National Assembly to shoot you, would it be an internal affair?
“The Senate Rule is a law and somebody allegedly forged the rules."
On the issue of not inviting Saraki by the police, he said: “It doesn’t matter. So, let him go and tell that to the court. That is why he should hands off and allow the court to hear this matter. At the end of the day, if it is established that this charge is frivolous, the court will discharge him.
“But not to take the position that the AG has committed any crime. He’s not answerable to them."
Good
ReplyDeleteNice reply by the AGF......these set of senetors just have nothing to offer....smh.
ReplyDeletePower tussle, equality before the law, let's us respect the law irrespective of our status in society. Court is there to adjudicate, any aggrieved person should go to seek redress in court, not to use or attempted attempt to use position to truncate the due process.
ReplyDeleteNice one AGF
ReplyDeleteNo mind dem, dem tink sai dem smart, yeye people..
ReplyDeleteVery selfish NASS members
ReplyDeleteVery Good reply AGF, we all Nigerians are by your side and if by any mistake those so call senators try any biars we will come our in mars to protest all over the 36 state of federation. They most resign their seat wit immediately effect.
ReplyDeleteVery Good reply AGF, we all Nigerians are by your side and if by any mistake those so call senators try anything biars we will come out in mars to protest all over the 36 state of federation. They most resign their seat with immediately effect.
ReplyDeleted senators are birds of same feathers.
ReplyDelete#Olu,can you see?
They are just twisting the law to their own selfish interest.
ReplyDeleteIt is good for somebody to know his bearing bo.now answer me... if I shoot you inside the Senate chamber; will it be an internal affair?
ReplyDeleteVery Good, you know your right.
ReplyDeleteThat's best replied
ReplyDeleteWhat a response! Is Saraki d owner of NASS nd d most surprising fact is dat many of dem ar older dan him ooooo.
ReplyDeleteGood one
ReplyDeleteDats just it.good of u jor.must u always want to dominate mr man
ReplyDelete