National Assembly has no power to summon President Buhari, says AGF Malami
- President Muhammadu Buhari may not be appearing before the House of Representatives after all
- The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, says summoning the president is unconstitutional
- The chief law officer of the country also said it is the president's prerogative to address the lawmakers, but he can't be cajoled into doing so
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The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, SAN, says the National Assembly has no constitutional power to summon President Muhammadu Buhari, The Cable reports.
According to the report, Malami said the operational use of the armed forces is the prerogative of the president and not subject to debate.
The green chambers had summoned the president on Tuesday, December 1, shortly after lawmakers deliberated on a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Honourable Satomi Ahmed.
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Part of Malami's statement read:
“The National Assembly has no constitutional power to envisage or contemplate a situation where the president would be summoned by the National Assembly on the operational use of the armed forces.”
Some Nigerians have started commenting on the stance of the AGF via social media.
Aniebiet Antia wrote on Twitter:
“Not surprising at all. Buhari can only go to the National Assembly only if he's assured he won't be asked any question. He can only read from a screen.”
Kingsley Enyidede Orji wrote on Legit.ng Facebook page:
“APC as a party has one of the best agenda suitable for the country but produced a bunch of bad leaders who lack laxity to turn around the resources to more productiveness.
“Rather, they think it is their right or inheritance being in government and they're doing Nigerians favour in misleading the nation and masses into turbulence.
“This attorney general is clearly telling Nigerians and the national assembly that the president is incapacitated. These guys are packaging the president for their pocket. If not, he should address Nigerians as a leader and a father to the nation.”
Dickson Dike wrote:
“That is what happens when you put your cartel in strategic positions of the government.”
Nwaguru John wrote:
“Nigeria is becoming a joke. A statement like this from a Senior Advocate that assumes to understand the simple separation of powers as well as checks and balances. APC government and everyday stories.”
Ikechukwu Ugwuanyi wrote:
“As far as I'm concerned, Nigeria has no president, what we have is a bench warmer.”
Legit.ng had earlier reported that the House of Representatives was thrown into a rowdy session during deliberation on a motion to invite the president for questioning over rising insecurity in the country.
Some pro-Buhari lawmakers who were opposed to the motion kicked against the idea, while the rowdiness in the house prompted the speaker to call for a brief executive session to deliberate on the motion.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has suggested that the federal government should compensate the people of Zabarmari for the killing of some farmers in their community.
Femi Gbajabiamila, the speaker of the House, made the suggestion on Tuesday, December 1, while condemning the brutal killing of the locals in Borno state.
He expressed grief over the high casualty figure, adding that Nigerians in the northeast region continue to be the first victims of mindless bloodletting by Boko Haram terrorists.
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Source: Legit.ng