How President Buhari Survived Impeachment Notice By The Senate Today

Members of the Senator Bukola Saraki 8th Senate on Thursday resolved not to start impeachment proceedings against President Muhammadu Buhari who they accused of violating the constitution of Nigeria.

National Assembly

The Nigerian Senate on Thursday, fell short of activating Section 143 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, as amended, which sets in motion the impeachment of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The latest move was in reaction to the alleged violation of Section 80 of the same 1999 Nigerian Constitution, as amended by Buhari, wherein he withdrew $496 million from the Excess Crude Account to purchase military helicopters without any approval by the National Assembly.

The motion was moved by Senator Matthew Urhoghide and seconded by Senator Chukwuka Utazi.

The matter has been referred to the Senate committee on Judiciary for further legislative advice. The committee is expected to report back next Wednesday.

Here are today's Senate proceedings we culled from their Twitter @NGRSenate;

Executive Communication.
Request of Mr. President on the inclusion of USD 496, 374, 470 (equivalent of N151, 394, 494, 335. 00) only in the year 2018 Appropriation Bill for the purchase of Super Tucano Aircraft from the US Government by Senate Leader.

— The Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) April 26, 2018

Senator Matthew Urhoghide cites Orders 15, 42 & 52, says this matter should be forwarded to the appropriate committee. The President’s request is wrong, it’s a violation of our process, proceedings and the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

— The Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) April 26, 2018

”It’s a violation of Section 80 subsection 1, 2, 3, 4. The procedure of the expenditure is wrong. There ought to be an appropriation before such an expenditure. I hereby request that the SP, @bukolasaraki should invoke Section 18 of the Constitution.”- Senator Matthew Urhoghide

— The Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) April 26, 2018

“I rise to second this motion with Section 80 subsection 2 and 3. We are still on the appropriation bill, we have not finished it, Service chiefs were appointed without the approval of the Senate.”- Senator Chukwuka Utazi.

— The Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) April 26, 2018

”This Tucano helicopters are to be brought in 2020, why include it now in appropriation. This is an impeachable offense.”- Senator Chukwuka Utazi.

— The Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) April 26, 2018

“We are not ignorant of the security challenges that is going on in the country and how it affects the stability of our country. I appreciate the efforts of the FG to bring an end to the killings in Nigeria but this is no reason to breach the Constitution.”-Senator @ShehuSani

— The Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) April 26, 2018

“This is a gross violation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is very clear to us that we are failing as a government and as a nation. We should be calling for refund and exercise due process.”- Senator @ShehuSani

— The Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) April 26, 2018

“We should look into this as it is obvious that there is a breach of Constitution.”- Senator Sam Anyanwu.

— The Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) April 26, 2018

“I rise on Section 83 subsection 1 and 2. I suggest we forward this matter to the Committee on Judiciary and Legal Matters.”- Senator Bala Na’allah.

— The Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) April 26, 2018