Bukola Saraki and Ike Ekweremadu have been put on notice for a lawsuit challenging their emergence as Senate President and Deputy Senate President in the Nigerian National Assembly (NASS).
In June, Mr. Saraki ascended to the Senate presidency in a vote that occurred without the knowledge of many members of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The controversy has spiraled into numerous quarrels in both chambers of the NASS.
The APC remains divided. Its leadership views Mr. Saraki to be less valuable to their goals due to his recent switch from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Jusitice Kaolawale of the Abuja Federal High Court received the lawsuit, which was filed by a group of five Senators. Abu Ibrahim, Kabiru Marafa, Ajayi Boroffice, Gbenga Ashafa, and Suleiman Othman Hunyuki all filed an originating summons before the court asking it to determine whether Saraki violated the Nigerian Constitution.
The Senators referenced Section 60 of the Nigerian Constitution, saying that Saraki overstepped the bounds of the procedures of Senate when he forced the vote during early morning hours. They also referenced Senate Standing Orders of 2011 and 2015, questioning the basis by which Senators were able to commission the vote.
The case is expected to be interesting.
