The Senate at its plenary on Tuesday, 12th July, 2016 has been briefed on the progress of its resolution which summoned Abubakar Malami, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice to appear and give evidence before its Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters on how his action in prosecuting principal officers of the Senate does not amount to incompetence, gross misconduct, contempt of court and abuse of office.
It would be recalled that the resolution dated 21st June, 2016 was perceived to be the legislature’s response to the arraignment of the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki (APC:Kwara) and Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu (PDP:Enugu) in a Federal Capital Territory High Court for conspiracy and forgery of the Senate Standing Rules 2015. The charges against them were instituted by the said AGF.
According to Senator David Umaru, Chairman, Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, since the Senate’s invitation on 23rd June, 2016, the AGF is yet to appear before the Committee although he had communicated different regrets of his inability to attend at further scheduled dates. The AGF had also requested a time to report to the Senate after the Committee rejected the appearance of Mr Okoi Obono Obla, Special Adviser to the Federal Government on Prosecution, Okoi Obono Obla who appeared on his behalf.
The Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters is expected to make a conclusive report on the issue by the end of the week.
