Sneante president, David Mark.

Senate leaders move against pro-impeachment members

By Ini Ekott

February 4, 2010 12:26AM

The Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, Abba Aji, will on Thursday meet the Senate as part of efforts to head off the growing ranks of pro-impeachment lawmakers in the chambers.

The Senate President, David Mark, announced yesterday that senators of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party will meet on Wednesday night at his residence, as a prelude to a meeting on Thursday between the lawmakers and Mr. Aji.

Mr. Mark, who has faced opposition from his colleagues for his attitude to the President’s prolonged absence, did not name the agenda for the two meetings.

However, officials who have been privy to the many secret sessions of the chamber, said the Senate leadership intends to calm pro-impeachment lawmakers with expected assurances from Mr. Aji on the progress of the Senate’s motion asking Mr. Yar’adua to transmit a letter to the National Assembly.

“They want everyone to believe there is nothing wrong and if the letter is here, there will be few who would continue to complain,” an official told NEXT.

The officials said the Senate had received a pledge from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Yahale Ahmed, who had promised during his last meeting with the Senate that the letter demanded of the President is ready, but is only delayed by the appropriate transmission channel.

Mr. Aji, as the chief liaising official between the President and the National Assembly, who recently presented the 2010 budget on the President’s behalf, is expected to effect such delivery if need be.

The Senate President said on Wednesday that the Special Adviser will meet with the senators during plenary session on Thursday, expectedly behind closed doors.

As the President’s absence, on account of ill health lingers, lawmakers who have canvassed for more pushful efforts from the legislature admit they have faced rising attempt from colleagues, the assembly leadership and the presidency, to delete the option of impeachment against Mr. Yar’adua.

“They have to think again if we are told there is no need for threats to be issued,” said a Senator, who asked not to be mentioned due to the secrecy the leadership of legislature has placed on the issue.

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Reader Comments (24)

Posted by CountryMan on Feb 04 2010

bad move...

Posted by Ogechukwu on Feb 04 2010

Why would Senate President want Yaradua out ?.....when his office as SP, will by party politics, have to go to another region if Goodluck takes over. It is simply politics of self preservation.

Posted by Erus on Feb 04 2010

cowards

Posted by Aiye Loja on Feb 04 2010

“Yahale Ahmed -- the letter demanded of the President is ready, but is only delayed by the appropriate transmission channel.” The situation now is that of lies, deceit, deception, cover-ups, and secrecy to cover up the real issues. To put it sore succinctly we are witnessing motley of events orchestrated by the cabal (conspirators) that will continue to deceive us. It has been months of being misinformed and lied to, of our intelligence being insulted by those who promised, on oath, to serve us. It is clear that many of our leaders do not care for us; indeed, I am of the considered opinion that they actually despise us. They think of us as a distraction, a nuisance, which they could very well do without. Let our leaders treat us with dignity. Why then should the case of Nigerians (and Africans, in general) be an exception? Do we not share the same needs, hopes, desires and aspirations with the rest of humanity?

Posted by Moves... on Feb 04 2010

Time shall tell as its already ticking. I believe this shuold all come to an end by next week. Pressure is already mounting, factions withing inner caucus,conscience pricking and people getting fed up with all the pranks by the leadership arm of government.May God help Nigeria amen

Posted by ALFONSO AKANSO on Feb 04 2010

hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm senate please do the needful............o or do we need to remind you guys that this situation is getting out of hand?stop all these big grammar you are speaking and the politicking of going to meet mr A or B and think of a way forward as we are anxiously waiting to see the outcome of this Umoru's issue.I wonder what party politics has to do with the well being of this country may God help us and deliver us from this shameless law makers Amen.

Posted by Nelson from SA on Feb 04 2010

Dubious senators

Posted by Labalaba on Feb 04 2010

@CountryMan: I couldn't agree more! The deceits and tissue of lies are belated. Section146(1) of the 1999 Constitution is the only joker, and the SNG has invoked it. We have gone beyond transmitting a letter to the the National Assembly. The Senate's role in the President's disappearance has been an ignoble one and disgusting.

Posted by doubleecho on Feb 04 2010

Where are you getting your own story from, other stories are that the SGF said he originated the letter a long time ago before the presidents departure but never knew if the president signed it before leaving the country. The press should not confuse us o

Posted by Fighter on Feb 04 2010

If our National Assembly cannot end this Fiasco in one week, we will take power by force, just watch before Friday next week something great will happen that will shake the fabric of this country

Posted by Noski on Feb 04 2010

Even when they are staring at d truth, to say it becomes very difficult. all these closed door and closed window meetings will not bring our president back.

Posted by yaro yaro on Feb 04 2010

my people majority in the senate are there for selfish reasons may almighty allah help us.

Posted by koko on Feb 04 2010

What clandestine meeting are they planning. it's a shame on the part of our lawmakers who could not face the reality of confronting Turai to advise her husband to hand over to Jonathan as acting president. Shame on every one of them.

Posted by nuges on Feb 04 2010

Fill in the gap: Oh God of creation Guide our leaders _________!

Posted by Kaikai on Feb 04 2010

Let him bring the leter now.

Posted by ikwa ibom on Feb 04 2010

lots of ghana must go is speaking! if not why is the senate president so protective of yar'adua?

Posted by solosan on Feb 04 2010

I don't see any reason why the senate president himself should not be impeached. seeing that he has placed personal interest over the interest of Nigerian's altogether. What more do we need as prove.

Posted by edet on Feb 04 2010

Time is fast running out than the national assembly looters thought. This house is about falling upon their heads and will crush them into power. Nigeria must rise up again. God bless Nigeria. Issue of letter is belated, Jonathan is waiting to be sworn in as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Posted by Olatilewa on Feb 04 2010

Criminals!

Posted by charles on Feb 04 2010

i wonder why poeple said that we are one nigeria instead of aboki must rule nigeria even in the grave.shame on nigeria akunyili i hail you.

Posted by Uche on Feb 04 2010

Big bellies! Thiefs, time will tell and justice shall prevail! ABOKI! shame on all these politicians as ABOKI turns Nigeria to their own Kingdom.

Posted by Fuguez on Feb 04 2010

President Mark will be impeached if he is not careful, then all his efforts to have his cake and eat it will be for nought

Posted by Kolade on Feb 05 2010

I WOULD RATHER WE FOCUS ON D LESSONS TO BE LEARNT ON THIS ISSUE,NOTHING LASTS FOR EVER.OUR CONSTITUTION MUST BE CHANGED/AMENDED

Posted by new york ny on Feb 05 2010

all we need in nigeria is REVOLUTION period...and all the kidnapers should hencfort start KIDNAPPING the perents and children of this DEAD MEAT politicians.