Kabiru Marafa, an outspoken critic of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has faulted the constitution of the Senate committees, saying it violates the rules of the Senate.
Mr. Marafa (APC-Zamfara Central), made the claim at plenary on Tuesday and called for nullification of the committees.
He said, “The actions of the legislature where impunity wants to become the order of the day is not appropriate.
“Any law that is not in consonance with the Constitution and the Senate Standing Order is null and void.
“The number of the committees was increased from 57 to 65. This is the National Assembly where rules should be respected.”
He accused Mr. Saraki of “Legislative tyranny”.
Mr. Marafa argued that the constitution of the committees was not by a resolution of the Senate, which according to him, rendered the process illegitimate.Mr. Saraki merely said “noted” in response to Mr. Marafa.
Another senator, Suleiman Hunkiyi of Kaduna north, in support to Mr. Marafa’s point of order raised a point from Order 70 of the senate standing rules.
He said Mr. Marafa raised important issues bothering the senate. He also said the authenticity of the Committee was questionable.
Mr. Hunkiyi cautioned Mr. Saraki for referring the issue to the same selection committee that is uncertain.
Mr. Saraki referred him to order 64 and stated that “the rules are self explanatory,I have to rule you out of order”.
The Senate adjourned further legislative proceedings to Wednesday, November 11, to mourn the acting clerk of the Senate, Adedotun Durojaiye,who died over the weekend.
At a briefing later, Mr. Marafa said Mr. Saraki should apologise to Nigerians. On November 4, Mr. Saraki announced the leaders of 65 committees.
Mr. Marafa emerged the Chairman, Committee on National Identity and National Population.
He had said he would not accept the offer, wondering why he would take “something that does not exist”.
He decried the lopsided nature of the committees in favour of the south adding that rankings of senators should be taking into consideration.
“There shall be appointed by the senate selection committee by the chairman and vice chairman in consultation to the selection committee and is subject to the approval of the senate.
Mr. Marafa further cited Order 3, saying the six geopolitical zones of the country were equally not considered.
“The selection committee itself is ineffective, anything done outside this is tyrannical and unacceptable.
He stated that the senate president should apologise to Nigerians for listing the committee in the first place.
“I expect Nigerians to charge him for contempt.
“If the legislature is left to remain this way, I am afraid of the implications.
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