Sagay comes hard on Saraki, Senate for threatening to impeach Osinbajo. Professor Itse Sagay wondered why the Senate is behaving as if it is not part of the current government headed by Muhammadu Buhari.
Sagay, who heads PACAC, warned that the Senate must prepare for the consequences if it truncates Nigeria's democracy. The threat to impeach Acting President Yemi Osinbajo if he fails to remove Ibrahim Magu, the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has pitched the Senate against some Nigerians as they accuse Bukola Saraki of planning to truncate the nation’s democracy.
The Senators had said they would no longer confirm any appointee from the executive arm of government until Magu is removed. The Nation reports that while blasting the Senate for its decision, some of the Nigerians said the Senate does not possess such powers to direct Osinbajo, who is only acting, to remove Magu.
The chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC) Chairman, Prof Itse Sagay, warned the Senate to be prepared for the consequences of bringing down the government.
“This is a Senate that does not realise that it is part of the legislature and not an executive body. “And they want to do both the legislative and executive work together, which will totally eliminate the principle of separation of powers.
“That’s the sort of people they are. They’re legislators, but they’re hungry to be the executive body. “If they threaten to bring government to a halt, they will bear the responsibility and consequences that will arise. Let them be ready to take the consequences of their actions.
“In fact, it may be good for this country for them to expose themselves like that and let the country know the people who constitute a problem to good governance in Nigeria,”
Sagay said adding that no law empowered the Senate to direct Prof Osinbajo to remove Magu. An angry Sagay asked: “How can they say he should remove somebody? “That is an executive power. The constitution empowers the president to appoint the chairman of EFCC and other such agencies directly.
“So, if they’re uncomfortable with the fight against corruption and feel threatened by a man who is upright, committed and will not be distracted from doing his job, if they’re not comfortable with that, it’s unfortunate. But nobody is going to listen to them as far as that is concerned.
“If they want to indulge in the misadventure and danger of bringing government to a halt, then on their head will be the consequences.”
Cc: Tos Orelope
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