Nigerian Senators During a Plenary Session
Some Nigerian Senators have called for the impeachment of President Muhammadu Buhari for not seeking National Assembly’s approval before withdrawing $496million used for the purchase of aircraft from the United States.
Buhari’s action contravenes the Section 143 of the Nigerian constitution which provides for the removal of the president from office
President Buhari had written the National Assembly on Thursday on the inclusion of N151.3bn on purchase of Super Tucano Aircraft from the US government.
Copy of the letter by President Muhammadu Buhari
The letter had read “Executive Communication. The Request of Mr. President on the inclusion of USD 496, 374, 470 (equivalent of N151, 394, 494, 335. 00) only in the year 2018 Appropriation Bill for the purchase of Super Tucano Aircraft from the US Government by Senate Leader”
Executive Communication.
Request of Mr. President on the inclusion of USD 496, 374, 470 (equivalent of N151, 394, 494, 335. 00) only in the year 2018 Appropriation Bill for the purchase of Super Tucano Aircraft from the US Government by Senate Leader.— The Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) April 26, 2018
Moving a motion on the issue on Thursday, Matthew Uroghide, Edo State, said President Buhari’s move was a violation of the constitution and thus, he should face the consequences.
Senator Matthew Urhoghide cites Orders 15, 42 & 52, says this matter should be forwarded to the appropriate committee. The President’s request is wrong, it’s a violation of our process, proceedings and the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
— The Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) April 26, 2018
He prayed the Senate to invoke Section 143 to start the impeachment process of the president.
”It’s a violation of Section 80 subsection 1, 2, 3, 4. The procedure of the expenditure is wrong. There ought to be an appropriation before such an expenditure. I hereby request that the SP, @bukolasaraki should invoke Section 18 of the Constitution.”- Senator Matthew Urhoghide
— The Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) April 26, 2018
Seconding the motion, Senator Chukwuka Utazi spoke in support of the move.
“This Tucano helicopters are to be brought in 2020, why include it now in appropriation. This is an impeachable offence” Senator Utazi, has said.
”This Tucano helicopters are to be brought in 2020, why include it now in appropriation. This is an impeachable offense.”- Senator Chukwuka Utazi.
— The Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) April 26, 2018
Katsina State Senator, Shehu Sani had said it is gross violation of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“This is a gross violation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is very clear to us that we are failing as a government and as a nation. We should be calling for refund and exercise due process.”- Senator @ShehuSani
— The Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) April 26, 2018
President Buhari had said he gave approval for the withdrawal of the fund because he believed the National Assembly would have no objection to his action.
His explanation was conveyed in a letter read at the Senate on Wednesday. A copy of the letter had earlier been sent to the House of Representatives.
President Muhammadu Buhari
However, President Buhari had explained the processes that led to the approval.
“I wish to draw the attention of the Senate to the ongoing security emergencies in the nation. These challenges were discussed with the state governors and subsequently at the meeting ot the National Economic Council on the 14th of December 2017 where a resolution was passed with the council approving that up to $1 billion may be released and utilised from the Excess Crude Account to address the situation.”
More senators are currently speaking on the issue in plenary.
More to follow…
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