Reps say Osinbajo’s position on Senate rejection of Magu is a move towards dictatorship

The House of Representatives has lashed out at the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo over a statement credited to him on the Senate rejection of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chairman, Ibrahim Magu.

The lawmakers stated that Osinbajo’s assertion is capable of grinding down the doctrine of separation of powers, with its obvious implication of instituting a dictatorship in the country.

The Rep members therefore called on the Presidency to seek the interpretation of the EFCC Act before a court and cautioned that the executive must try and shun making utterances that imply usurpation of the judiciary’s powers.

Osinbajo had in a speech recently, ruled out the possibility of President Buhari replacing Magu with another nominee.

But, in a motion on Thursday at the House plenary by Leo Ogor on the need to prevent erosion of the Doctrine of Separation of Power, the lawmaker had argued that by the clear “provision of Section 2 (3) of the EFCC Act, the chairman of the anti-corruption agency shall be nominated by the President subject to the confirmation of the Senate.

“Convinced that the EFCC Act is an Act of the National Assembly that can only be set aside by a court of competent jurisdiction, and until that happens, the law remains in force and binding on all persons and authorities in the country.

“Further aware that the Executive Arm of Government has not filed any proceeding in any court to challenge the provision of Section 2 (3) of the EFCC (established) Act of 2004.”

He further said that under the doctrine of Separation of Powers, “the interpretation of the constitution and Acts of parliament was the sole responsibility of the judiciary and not that of any person or official of the other arms of government.

According to him, the statement credited to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has the power to erode the doctrine of Separation of Powers with its obvious implication of instituting a dictatorship in the country.

Simon Arabo, contributing to the motion, talked about the need for the executive to toe the line of Separation of Powers.

Another member of the House, Kingsley Chinda said, “Government should be responsive and listen to the opinions of the masses.”

Following the adoption of the motion by a voice vote, Speaker Yakubu Dogara then mandated its House committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure implementation of the resolution.

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