SARAKI: Why Senate Suspends Omo-Agege

Hamilton Nwosa
Writer

Ad

Akpabio vs. Natasha: Ezekwesili accuses Senate is leading a misadventure to destroy Democracy, rule of law in Nigeria

By Abiola Olawale In a scathing open letter released on Wednesday, a former Nigerian Minister of Education and renowned public policy advocate, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, has accused the Nigerian Senate, led by President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, of alleged constitutional violations. Ezekwesili claimed that the Senate allegedly assaulted democratic principles by refusing to…

Arise IIP raises $700m in Africa infrastructure deal, welcomes Saudi Vision Invest as shareholder

By Obinna Uballa Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms (Arise IIP), a pan-African developer and operator of industrial zones, has secured $700 million in fresh capital, marking one of the largest private infrastructure transactions in Africa. The deal, announced Wednesday in Dubai, sees Saudi Arabia’s Vision Invest join as a new shareholder alongside founding investors such as…

2027: INEC Grants Official Recognition to Atiku, Obi, Aregbesola, Amaechi, David Mark’s ADC

By Abiola Olawale The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally recognized the African Democratic Congress (ADC) under the leadership of former President of the Senate, David Mark. This endorsement positions the party as a key contender ahead of the 2027 general elections. The confirmation was displayed on the website of INEC and sighted by…

Ad

The President of the Senate Dr Bukola Saraki has said that the Senate’s decision to suspend one of its members, Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege was because he took the legislative house to court.

Omo-Agege, who represents Delta Central Senatorial District had sued the Senate to stop his appearance before the committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions over comments made on the amendment of the Electoral Act, 2018.

A letter addressed to the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, also copied the Ethic Committee, said the subject matter for which Omo-Agege was to appear before the committee was already in court.

The letter dated March 26, 2018 was signed by  Ifeoluwa Ojediran for Summit Law Chambers.

Omo-Agege during the consideration of the amendment, kicked against it and later briefed newsmen saying that the move to adjust the electoral sequence was targeted at President Buhari.

However, Saraki who spoke during plenary on Thursday, regretted that the senate had to get to the point of having to take such decisive action against one of its members.

However Saraki who frowned at the senator for taking internal matters of the senate to court, insisted that preserving the institution of the Senate and the National Assembly was very paramount which was why issues that border on the sanctity of the senate have to be dealth with according to the rules of the Senate.

“Distinguished Colleagues, a number of points have been raised. One borders on the issue of preserving the integrity of this institution. To me, that is what i think is the most important thing for us.

“Distinguished Colleagues I hope we will not have to come to these sorts of situations again at this point in this democratic process. We can cue on this and move forward,” he said.

On the parliamentary support group for President Buhari, Saraki said that the group lacked sincerity adding that based on actions and inaction, he (Saraki) was the right person to chair such a group in the National Assembly.

He said that the formation and chairmanship of the group was done to present some of them in better light and others in the wrong lights.

“Sometimes some people decide to act like they are holier than thou or more committed – at the expense of others. This is not something that we should tolerate, and I believe that in an institution like this we must show discipline, but at the same time we must also show compassion.

“Distinguished Colleagues, there must be discipline. We must show that such groups must be suspended and the case in court must be withdrawn.

The Senate during plenary on Thursday, suspended Senator Omo-Agege for 90 legislative days. With the suspension, the senator will not participate in legislative activities till August 2019.

Ad

Unlocking Opportunities in the Gulf of Guinea during UNGA80
X whatsapp