By Sunny Anderson Osiebe
The Nigerian Senate has kicked
off an investigation into whether Senator President Bukola Saraki and
Senator Dino Melaye have abused their privileges as lawmakers in the
Upper House of legislature.
Saraki
is being probed under suspicion that he may have used his office to
avenge the seizure of his imported bullet-proof vehicle by the Customs
While
Senate is investigating Saraki over claims that he allegedly used his
office to seek revenge against Nigeria Customs Service boss Hameed Ali,
Melaye is being investigated over claims that he may have forged the
certificate with which he ran for the legislative seat.
The
Senate resolved to probe Saraki and Melaye following a motion moved by
Senator Ali Ndume representing Borno South requesting that allegations
against the two lawmakers should be investigated to ensure that there
was no abuse of legislative privileges by them.
According
to Ndume, allegations that the Senate invited Hameed Ali because he
reportedly seized a bullet-proof Range Rover that belonged to Saraki
because it did not have the proper papers needed to be looked into
before the Red Chamber can move on with questioning Ali over the
controversial issue of collecting Customs duties on old vehicles.
He noted that Saraki was not above being probed.
Senators Melaye and Saraki are now under probe by the Senate committee on ethics and privileges
He
noted that in the past, former leaders of the National Assembly such as
Salisu Buhari, Aminu Bello Masari, Adolphus Wabara, Evan Enwerem and
Dimeji Bankole were all investigated when matters like this came up.
On
the other hand, Ndume said allegations that Melaye did not really
graduate from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria as claimed in his
CV has to be investigated to make sure the truth is revealed.
The Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges is looking into the two matters and will report back to the house in two weeks.
Meanwhile, prominent lawyer Femi Falana has said the Senate has no lawful authority to summon Col Hameed Ali (rtd), the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service.
The human rights lawyer's claim, comes on the heels of the Senate’s invitation to the CGC, over not wearing his uniform.
Nigerians have been reacting to
the report. Many of those that commented on Facebook feel it was high
time the senate president was probed because of all the controversies
surrounding him.
Others believe Melaye's alleged certificate could not be true.
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