Following a judgement delivered by Justice Ahmed Mohammed of Abuja division of the Federal High Court which stated that neither the President, nor the National Assembly should go ahead on the sequence of elections bill that was declined by President Muhammadu Buhari last week, the Senate Thursday, urged the courts to respect separation of powers.
Senate Minority leader, Godswill Akpabio, speaking through order 42 of Senate rules, explained that,”the injunction or exparte motion was not against the bill but the processes of the Senate.’
He added: “The Senate should write CJN, reminding him that it cannot be restrained from carrying out its statutory duties.”
“The judgement was bipartisan and he should be reminded of separation of powers.”
Senate leader, Ahmed Lawan threw his weight behind the motion, saying, Senate would continue to take actions in the interest of developing Nigeria’s democracy.
“I want to agree completely with the Minority leader for the first time. I want to say that courts should hands off activities of the National Assembly.”
Responding, Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki emphasised that democratic institutions must be protected at all costs.
He said nothing was done by the Senate for personal reasons, stating that lawmakers shall one day leave the stage, hence, it was important to continue sustenance of democracy.
Justice Ahmed Mohammed in a suit instituted by Accord party has delivered judgement on Tuesday, asking the executive and legislature to maintain ‘status quo ante bellum”, on the controversy surrounding the sequence of elections pending hearings on the adjourned date.
Comments