Buhari Backs off Invitation by Reps
President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday dishonored the House of Representatives’ invitation regarding the nation’s security state.
The House had summoned the President after a long debate and show of concern towards a motion moved by Hon. On behalf of 10 other Borno State federal lawmakers, Satomi Ahmed declared a state of emergency in some areas to tackle the worsening insecurity.Although the President agreed to honor the invitation, he failed to appear before the House as expected to address Nigerians’ growing insecurity in the country.
On its part earlier on Wednesday, the Senate had disassociated itself from the invitation the House of Representatives made to the President, describing it as unconstitutional.
Ovie Omo-Agege, the Deputy Senate President,
said: “it is unconstitutional and an aberration for any arm of the National Assembly to summon President Muhammadu Buhari to appear before it.”
The upper legislative maintained it would have nothing to do with the Greenhouse’s summon and will therefore not be involved in whether or not the President appears before the House.
According to Senator Ajibola Basiru, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, while disassociating from the summon, said inquiries regarding the presidential appearance should be directed to the House of Representatives.
“I’m a spokesperson of the Senate. There was no resolution of the Senate that the President should come and address it on national security.
“I expect that every inquiry as to the summoning and coming off the President should be directed to the House of Representatives.
However, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, noted that the National Assembly lacked the powers to summon the President to speak on security matters.
On his part, a lawmaker representing Rivers State Hon. At yesterday’s plenary, Solomon Bob (PDP) invoked Order 6 of the House to seek an explanation from the Speaker about why the President had made a volte-face.
Bob, who relied on the Order of Privileges, said: “Last week, I recall that this House passed a resolution. Subsequently, I read that the President has considered our request.”
Expressing shock that the President walked back on his promise, Bob said it demands the Senate’s explanations.
“If this House can pass a resolution and we have a situation where such a resolution is abused, it means our very existence is being questioned. I think that the Speaker should address us on the current situation. The entire country is watching. It bothers me”.
Recall that the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), did cite the constitution, saying it does not confer the power to summon the President on the National Assembly.
What are your thoughts on Buhari’s failed plan to honor the House of Representatives’ invitation to address issues of rising spate of insecurity in the country?
