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Senator Sanusi Daggash (Borno North) re-surfaced in the Senate yesterday, after more than one year absence following the annulment of his election by the court of appeal, Jos, on November 6, 2003.
INEC had concluded all arrangements for the bye-election scheduled for last weekend, only to announce a last minute postponement December 2, 2004, as a result of an Abuja federal high court order obtained by Senator Daggash restraining INEC from holding the by-election.
However, INEC through its spokesman, Mr Steve Osemeke had in a statement said the commission was challenging the injunction granted Senator Daggash and had already filed an appeal to that effect.
Senate President Adolphus Wabara who led in Senator Daggash to the Senate chambers said the Senator was now occupying the seat of Borno North Senatorial district.
“He is doing so on the orders of the court. Since inception of this Senate, we have pledged that we will not interfere with the judiciary and we will not interpret laws.
“We consulted widely and the conclusion was that we do not have any option other than to obey the court order. If any other thing happens by way of court order we will also obey it. So, Senator Daggash, you are welcome,” Wabara stated.
The Senate committee chairman on information, Senator Tawar Wada said the Senate having been served the court order had no option than to obey the injunction and allow Senator Daggash back into the Senate chambers.
“The Senate is a law-making body and as such must be law-abiding. It would therefore be ironical for the Sen-ate which is the bastion of democracy to disobey a court order.
“Senate has been served the court order. The crux of the matter is that the National Assembly is there to obey a court order and immediately the Senate is served a court order we must set the example,” he said.
Meanwhile, Senator Wa-da confirmed to Senate correspondents yesterday that the ANPP caucus has replaced its principal officers who resigned their positions with new nominees.
He said the ANPP Senate caucus has officially communicated to the Senate leadership the election of Senator Lawan Shuaibu as Senate minority Leader and Senator Abba Aji as Senate Minority Whip.
Both Senators who will officially assume office on December 22, 2004, replace Senator Usman Al-Bishir and Senator Mohammed Anka as Senate minority leader and Senate minority whip respectively. |
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