The Nigerian Senate on Thursday threatened to hold the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, in contempt if he fails to appear before its investigative committee.
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The case against Senate President Bukola Saraki and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, alongside two others on charges of forgery of Senate Standing Orders, was stalled and then adjourned till September 28 by a Federal High Court in Abuja, due to the court’s vacation that commenced today (Monday). Although the court did not sit, Saraki Ekweremadu, Maikasuwa and Efeturi were present in court with their counsel and sympathisers.
Expressing his displeasure over the action of Malami, David Umaru, chairman of the committee, had said: “The goal of this hearing was to defend Nigeria’s democracy but the attorney-general has faulted the invitation of the senate again”.
He however, revealed that Senior Special Assistant (Senate), Ita Enang while reaching out to the Committee on the issue had apologised on behalf of the AGF, while asking for more time for him (AGF) to appear before the Committee.
Also speaking, a member of the committee, Chukwuka Utazi, described the action of the AGF as a slap in the face of the senate.
Mr. Malami had refused to appear before the committee two weeks ago, on the grounds that he was not in the country.
But just hours after the threat, Malami came knocking on Saraki’s doors.
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The judge, Justice Halilu Yusuf, adjourned the matter because of the court’s annual vacation, which began on Monday.
