Omo-Agege’s suspension illegitimate — Malami

The suspension of Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege has been classified as unconstitutional, illegal and unlawful by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami (SAN).

The AGF told the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday.

Malami, who is the 3rd defendant in the ongoing suit brought by Omo-Agege challenging his suspension from the Senate, made his position known through his counsel, Mr Dayo Apata.

Apata, who doubles as the Solicitor-General of the Federation, in his submission, said that the role of the AGF was to defend and protect the constitution, adding that he had to react to any issue that had to do with the constitution.

“According to Section 4(8), 39, 40 of the Constitution and Articles of the African Charter on Human Rights, all the actions of the senate relating to the suspension of the plaintiff (Omo-Agege) are unconstitutional, illegal and unlawful,” he told the court.

The solicitor-general urged the court to hold that the senate’s actions were unlawful.

Mr Mahmud Magaji (SAN), counsel to the Senate and the Senate President, in his submission, urged the court to dismiss the suit on the grounds that the senator had himself, participated in the suspension of other senators.

“The plaintiff is not an ordinary senator but a lawyer and a member of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges.

“He has participated in several committee meetings leading to the suspension of other senators such as Ndume, so he who lives by the sword, should die by the sword.

“He who has participated in the suspension of his colleagues cannot now run to the court for protection.

“He swore to an oath to be bound by the rules of the senate, including the standing orders,” Magaji said.