The
Nigerian Senate has cancelled its plan to hold an emergency session
over the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen and
instead has gone to court to challenge the action.
Nigerian Senate has cancelled its plan to hold an emergency session
over the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen and
instead has gone to court to challenge the action.
 |
| Senate President, Bukola Saraki |
The Senate had summoned an emergency meeting for today.
But Nelson Ayewoh, clerk of the senate said the session has been cancelled.
The Senate will resume on 19 February as scheduled when members went
on break last week for the General Election, beginning from the
Presidential and National Assembly elections on 16 February.
on break last week for the General Election, beginning from the
Presidential and National Assembly elections on 16 February.
But in a separate statement, the senate explained why it abandoned its plan to hold an emergency plenary.
Media adviser to Senate President Yusuph Olaniyonu said the Senate has decided to challenge the suspension at the Supreme Court.
“Earlier today, the Senate filed a case in the highest court of the
land, the Supreme Court, seeking its interpretation on whether President
Muhammadu Buhari acted within the provision of the constitution in his
suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon. Justice Walter
Nkannu Onnoghen or whether the action of the President does amount to
usurpation of the powers of the Senate as provided for in Section 292 of
the constitution.
land, the Supreme Court, seeking its interpretation on whether President
Muhammadu Buhari acted within the provision of the constitution in his
suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon. Justice Walter
Nkannu Onnoghen or whether the action of the President does amount to
usurpation of the powers of the Senate as provided for in Section 292 of
the constitution.
“Following the filing of the case, the matter of the suspension of
the CJN which is the main issue for which the Senate had planned to
reconvene today, has become subjudiced.
the CJN which is the main issue for which the Senate had planned to
reconvene today, has become subjudiced.
“Therefore, in line with the standing rules of the Senate not to
debate issues that are already pending before the court, the reconvening
of the Senate today has been put off. The previous adjournment of
the Senate till February 19, 2019 stays.”
debate issues that are already pending before the court, the reconvening
of the Senate today has been put off. The previous adjournment of
the Senate till February 19, 2019 stays.”
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
