Alleged Forgery: Senate Committee Snubs Malami’s Representative

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News Friday, July 1st, 2016

By Ganiyu Nasirudeen

ABUJA, NIGERIA (AFRICAN EXAMINER) – The absence of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice Mr. Abubakar Malami at the meeting with the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters Thursday prompted another provocation, as committee members walked out on his representative.

Malami was summoned for the second time by the committee to come and justify the reasons for prosecuting Senate President Bukola Saraki and his Deputy, Ike Ekweremadu over alleged forgery of the upper legislative Chamber’s Standing Rule.
The AGF who gave excuse for his first absence was today represented by a Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari, on Prosecution, (attached to the AGF office) Mr. Okoi Obono-Obla.

The Committee members expressed their dismay on Malami’s absence, complaining that his action was a breach and threat to the Nigeria’s democracy hence, the need for urgent action to check the situation.

Still, Obono – Obla’s attempts to deliver AGF’s message was rebuffed by the Committee’s Chairman, Senator David Umaru. He specified that his members were keen on meeting with the Minister, adding that the committee would report what transpired at the plenary to the Senate when it resumes from its ongoing recess. He added that necessary action would be taken against Malami.

While addressing journalists after the stormy session, the AGF’s representative disclosed that the Minister’s position was that the Senate’s Committee lacked jurisdiction to open discussion on the matter, which is already before Justice Yusuf Haliru, of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.