The
Senate on Wednesday suspended former Senate Leader, Sen. Mohammed Ndume over
his petition calling for investigation into the allegation discrediting Sen.
Dino Melaye as a graduate of ABU Zaria.
The
suspension order followed the recommendation of the Senate Committee on Ethics,
Privileges and Public Petitions which investigated the allegation.
The
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the committee had on March 27,
summoned both Senators Ndume and Melaye to state their versions on the
allegations.
The
Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Sam Anyanwu
submitted his committee’s report which recommended that
“the Senate do suspend Sen. Mohammed Ndume for bringing Sen. Dino
Melaye, his colleagues and the institution of the Senate to unbearable
disrepute.
“This
is even as at a time of our national life when caution, patriotism, careful
consideration and due diligence should be our watch words.
“The
suspension is with effect from today, March 29, 2017 to last for six months.
“After
having been properly cleared of any wrong doings by the findings of the
committee, Sen. Dino Melaye has been cleared of the allegations made against
him and exonerated”.
According
to Anyanwu, the recommendation was signed by seven members of the Committee.
Sen.
Obinna Ogba PDP-Ebonyi seconded the motion.
In
his remarks, the Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, who presided
over plenary said the matter was a lesson that has been learned.
“We
should investigate matters before we made allegations,” he said.
He
commended the committee for a good job, saying the investigation was carried
out within the stipulated time.
“We
look forward to a more united Senate. We should work for the betterment of the
Senate,” he said.
The
Senate had on March 21 resolved to probe an allegation of fake school
certificate made against Melaye by an
online publication.
Raising
the issue under matters of national importance Ndume said former leaders of the
National Assembly such as Salisu Buhari, Aminu
Masari, Adolphus Wabara, Evans Ewerem and Dimeji Bankole were all
investigated when similar allegations were made against them.
Ndume
said the privileges of senators were breached by the allegation.
He,
therefore, prayed that the matter be referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics
and Privileges to probe the matter.
Consequently,
Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, referred the matter to the committee
to investigate and report back in four weeks.
Post a Comment