Senate, AGF in fresh feud over NHRC chief

The Senate on Wednesday mandated its Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged resumption of the Executive Secretary of National Human Rights Commission {NHRC}, Anthony Ojukwu, without confirmation.

The Senate mandate follows a Point of Order raised by Senator Dino Melaye (Kogi West), drawing attention of the upper chamber to the alleged resumption of NHRC boss without its approval.

Melaye told the Senate that he heard that the Attorney -General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, allegedly ordered Ojukwu to resume office in contravention of the Civil Service Rules and the Act establishing the Commission.

Melaye insisted that Malami’s action was an affront on the authority of the Senate.

He noted that it was not the first time the AGF would call the bluff of the Senate.

The Kogi West senator asked the Senate to henceforth disqualify nominees of President Muhammadu Buhari who resume office without confirmation.

The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, directed Committee on Justice, Human Rights and Legal Matters chaired by Senator David Umaru (Niger East) to quickly look into the matter with a view to verifying the authenticity or otherwise of the allegations against the AGF.

The Senate said that it would not take it lightly the growing penchant of the President’s nominees to resume office without its confirmation.

It asked the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) to ensure that the growing disregard of Senate powers does not become the norm.

 

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