Senate on Thursday moved to impeach President Muhammadu Buhari over breach of various sections of the 1999 constitution as amended.
The Red Chamber’s move followed reports by the Senate Committee Chairman on Public Accounts, Senator Mathew Uroghide indicting President Muhammadu in the purchase of American Tucano Aircraft worth $496 million without the approval of the Senate.
Uroghide submitted that his committee interrogated the Minister of defense to that effect in line with the mandate given to his committee. He also confirmed that the Minister of Defense, Mansur Dan-Ali had admitted wrongdoing in the purchase of the aircraft.
The purchased aircraft would be delivered in 2020.
He said: “Mr. President, the procedure of the purchase of that Aircraft was wrong procedurally. I wish to refer us to Section 80, 81, 82, 83, and 84.”
“Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, I rise through order 15 and 52 to explain my Committee report. Mr. President, as the head of executive arm has breached the provisions of the Constitution.”
“In our grilling of the Minister of Defense yesterday, he admitted wrongdoing over purchase of American Tucano Aircraft.”
“Obviously, President Buhari has committed an impeachable offence and I move that the Senate invoke Section 80, 81, 82, 83 and 84.”
Uroghide added that it was not the first time, Mr. President was committing impeachable offence.
“Mr. President, the procedure of the purchase of that Aircraft was wrong procedurally. I wish to refer us to Section 80, 81, 82, 83, and 84.”
While seconding the motion, Senator Chukwuka Utazi, Enugu North Senatorial district stated that President Buhari has committed an impeachable offence, hence, he should be impeached.
He expressed sadness that the president has continued to dispense huge sums of money without regard to the Senate and the constitution, saying he clearly breached section 80.
Senator Samuel Anyanwu representing Imo East insisted that the breach of the constitution by President Buhari was beyond party and friendship, stating that the substance of Buhari’s action must be looked into.
He recalled that late Senate President, Dr. Chuba Okadigbo was removed from office based on anticipatory budget and called on the Senate to invoke section 143 of the constitution, saying Buhari should be impeached.
On his part, Shehu Sani representing Kaduna Senatorial district suggested for the recall of the funds for due process to be followed instead of impeachment.
But, Senator Abu Ibrahim in his contributions took the Senate through national accountability, stating that APC led government has been very open and advised the lawmakers to focus on how to assist government to tackle insecurity.
“Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, as responsible Senate, I appeal that we should consider Mr. President’s request since he has written to us.”
“My appeal is, let’s look at the request. Senators should do anything to tackle insecurity. Today, it is Benue, Zamfara, tomorrow it could be anywhere.”
Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki in his ruling on the motion, recalled the United States Congress meeting with Nigerian parliament over the purchase which President Donald Trump sought the American Congress’ approval.
“It was after our meeting in August last year, that they went back to approve Donald Trump’s request,” he said.
Saraki added that there was ample time for the executive to write to the National Assembly for approval. He, therefore, referred the motion to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal matters and report back on Wednesday next week.
