A UK-based Nigerian lawyer, Bulama Bukarti, has replied to remarks of the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, that the National Assembly lacks powers to invite the president over insecurity in the country.
Mr Malami had earlier on Wednesday said the confidentiality of strategies employed by the president is not open for public exposure, in view of security implications in probable undermining of the war against terror.
“The management and control of the security sector is exclusively vested in the President by Section 218 (1) of the Constitution as the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces including the power to determine the operational use of the Armed Forces,” Mr Malami said.
But in response to the nation’s Attorney-General, Mr Bukarti said the minister’s statement was a “complete rubbish”.
“Attorney-General Malami’s statement earlier today that the National Assembly lacks power to summon President Buhari is complete rubbish.
“By the combined effect of Sections 88 & 89 of the Constitution, the Senate or House can summon any person or authority including the President.
“Malami’s argument that the President is invested with exclusive powers over the control and management of the security sector and can’t be invited is a straw man. He’s invited for his failure to fulfil his obligation of protecting lives & property and the House has power to do so.
“I urge the President to honour the invitation and address Nigerians through their elected Representatives. Failure to do so is a violation of the Constitution. But I won’t be surprised if Buhari refuses to appear. It appears he intentionally sent his AG to make this statement,” added Mr Bukarti, who is an analyst at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change.
