The former Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Minna Branch, on Thursday, said that the Senate has gone beyond its authority on its decision to suspend Sen. Ali Ndume.
Ali Ndume
While speaking with newsmen in Minna, the Capital of Niger State on Thursday, the former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Minna Chapter, Taidi Jonathan, described the
decision of the senate to suspend its former Leader, Ali Ndume as illegal.
Jonathan said that the upper legislative chambers went beyond its authority on its decision on Ndume, adding that the Senate’s resolution to suspend Ndume was clearly an abuse of the constitution.
Citing Section 6 (6) (a) and (b) of the 1999 Constitution, the former NBA Chairman noted that the constitution gives powers to impose any sanction or punishment in the Judiciary and to be exercised by courts of competent jurisdiction.
“The suspension of Sen. Ali Ndume is ultra vires under the powers of the legislature in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
“Therefore, any provision in the Senate rules of procedure which imposes any punishment to be exercised by it ultra vires the judicial powers,” he said, adding that the suspension was a fundamental denial of the rights of Ndume’s constituents to representation in the National Assembly.
He urged the lawmakers to always put the interest of the country ahead of any personal consideration, so as to ensure peace, progress and political development of the nation.
Jonathan called for understanding and a cordial working relationship among the three arms of government to enable Nigerians to enjoy good governance.