• Say ‘Standing Order’ is internal Affair of N’Assembly
• PDP House Caucus ask FG to concentrate on fixing economy
• South East Caucus alleges plot to shut out region
• PDP House Caucus ask FG to concentrate on fixing economy
• South East Caucus alleges plot to shut out region
By Damilola Oyedele in Abuja
The House of Representatives on Tuesday accused the Executive of deliberate and sustained attack on the National Assembly, a development which it warned could be highly damaging to the country’s democracy.
It added that any matter pertaining documents of the National Assembly is purely an internal affair and should not be subjected to interference by any other arm of government.
The lawmakers recalled that the latest matter of alleged forgery over which the Executive is seeking the arraignment of Senate President Bukola Saraki, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu had already been ruled upon by a Federal High Court.
The Federal High Court, Abuja, had ruled on July 27, 2015 that the allegation of forgery of the Standing Order was an internal affair and should not be pried into by the IG, AGF or even the judiciary.
The lawmakers therefore urged President Muhammadu Buhari to call members of the Executive to order, and ensure they desist from meddling in legislative affairs.
The resolution of the House followed a motion sponsored as matter of urgent national importance by Hon. Tajudeen Yusuf (Kogi PDP) who fingered the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami as constantly trying to undermine the National Assembly.
He cited the matter of the House take over of the Kogi State House of Assembly, where the AGF had issued a counter directive to Police Inspector General Solomon Arase.
“It is now commonplace that Ministers and Head of Parastatals ignore invitations by standing committees and adhoc committees at will,” Yusuf said.
Yusuf added that no superior court has set aside the ruling of the Federal High Court on the alleged forgery of Senate Rules.
Similarly the Peoples Democratic Party caucus in the House has advised the Federal Government to concentrate on fixing national economy and address rising insecurity, rather than making the matter of Senate Rules, its primary concern.
The caucus in a statement signed by its Leader, Hon. Leo Ogor also accused the AGF of blatant impunity and grand design to undermine the legislature since his appointment.
The caucus in a statement signed by its Leader, Hon. Leo Ogor also accused the AGF of blatant impunity and grand design to undermine the legislature since his appointment.
It described the lawsuit filed against Ekweremadu, who is the highest political office holder of PDP extraction, the Senate President, former Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr. Salisu Maikasuwa and Deputy CNA, Mr. Ben Efeturi, as an embarrassment.
Senate and House Standing Rules have always been produced by each chamber, the caucus said.
“ …Ekweremadu ceased to be a Senator from 4th of June 2015 when the 7th Senate adjourned sine die, until he was inaugurated alongside other members of the 8th Senate on 9th June 2015. We wonder how the production of Senate Order issued for the inauguration was his business,” the statement read.
“It is equally instructive that Senator Ekweremadu and the Senate President were not accused or mentioned by Senators who petitioned the police…aware that the Assistant Force Public Relations Officer on 7th July 2015 briefed reporters to the effect that the police did not invite or interrogate the Deputy President of the Senate,” it added.
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