Is It Constitutional? Deputy Senate President Speaks on Umahi's Sack by Court

• Deputy Senate president Ovie Omo-Agege has commented on the recent sack of Governor Umahi by the court for defecting from the PDP to the APC
• Omo-Agege said the framers of the Nigerian constitution did not allow removal of governors for defecting from one party to another
• The federal lawmaker, however, said everyone has to wait for the court to give verdict on the appeal filed by the Ebonyi state governor

Eagle Square, Abuja - The deputy Senate president Ovie Omo-Agege has described the framers of Nigeria's 1999 Constitution as amended as smart.

Ovie-Agege said this while fielding questions from journalists at the national convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday, March 26.

He made the comment as he reacted to questions on the sack of the Ebonyi state governor, David Umahi, by the court.

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Recall that a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja had sacked Umahi and his deputy, Kelechi Igwe for defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling APC.

Like Umahi, his colleague in Cross River, Ben Ayade also awaits a similar fate in a suit filed against him in court for dumping PDP for APC.

Constitution protects governors from being removed for defection

Speaking on the fate of Umahi, the deputy Senate president said although as a lawyer he should not be making comments on issues before the court.

Ovie-Agege however noted that it is confusing that the framers of the constitution allows the lawmakers to be removed from their position when they cross carpet but governors are spared from same fate.

He said:

"I am aware that some members of the legislature, when they defect or cross carpet either at the federal level or at the state House of Assemblies the court removes them.

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"But for the governors, the framers of the constitution did not allow that and I am sure it is for a reason.

"They are smart, the framers of the constitution are smart, there must be a reason but we will wait for the court to give us answers."

I'm not worried: Umahi speaks again, says he can't be sacked

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Governor Umahi of Ebonyi state said he entertained fewer worries since the judgement by a Federal High Court in Abuja which ordered that he and his deputy, Eric Igwe, vacate their seats.

The Ebonyi state governor highlighted two reasons why he is confident that he can't be removed from office.

Umahi argued that he enjoys immunity from being sued as an elected governor, according to the constitution.

Source: Legit.ng