Senate set to decide on defecting member

senate-chamber • Adjourns session over APC’s registration

• IGP, ministerial nominees to appear next week

THERE are strong indications that the Senate may finally decide on the fate of the 11 of its defecting members as soon as it reconvenes next week Tuesday.

  For two consecutive days, the upper chamber held closed-door sessions over the matter. It adjourned sitting yesterday immediately after the two-hour executive session till Tuesday next week to enable members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) go for party registration. It was disclosed that the issue of defection topped the agenda at the session.

  According to an APC senator who pleaded anonymity, Senate President David Mark is likely to read the letter of defection next week Tuesday when lawmakers resume from their two-day adjournment.

  The source added that Mark was seeking political and legal solutions to the problem at hand, particularly as they relate to serious legal implications of the defection bid.

  “The thrust of the executive session was that Mark tried to find political solution to this issue of defection. He talked about the single letter of defection but you know these our colleagues, they want to show that they are big boys - former governors and all that,” he said.

  Addressing reporters shortly after adjournment, Senate Spokesman, Enyinnaya Abaribe, confirmed that the issue of defection was considered but that Mark would require further legal advice before reading the letter of defection. This, he said, was due to serious legal issues surrounding the move.

  He added: “In the closed-door session, matters affecting the well-being of Nigerians were discussed. Also, interest of the country was put first and the meeting was fruitful.

    “I can confirm to you that the issue of defection was also discussed during the closed-door session and it was resolved that the Senate President in particular would have to seek further legal advice because of serious legal issues thrown up during the discussion based on the interpretation of the Constitution and the Senate Standing Rule.

  “So, more time was given for consultations. When it resumes on Tuesday, it would continue to look into the issue.

  “Under the Senate Standing Rule No. 25, only the Senate President has the power and authority to interpret anything and he has decided to seek further legal advice.

  “And I think it is good for the country. We are lawmakers, not lawbreakers. It was in an attempt to seek a political solution to the problem of defection that we had the discussion at the closed-door session.  When we resume, we are also going to have further discussion.

  “Members had gone to court against principal officers over retention of their seats. Based on that, you cannot go to court and would not want to wait for the ruling of that court. Anyway, we can still resolve matters amicably.”

  Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar, would be appearing before the Senate next Tuesday to account for the role of the police in the crises in Rivers State.

  The screening of President Goodluck Jonathan’s ministerial nominees has been slated for next Wednesday.