The Senate yesterday sustained its battle with the executive as it issued a fresh summon on the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mallam Abubakar Malami, to appear before it to explain why a legal action was instituted against Senate President, Bukola Saraki and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu.

Senate had first summoned Malami last week, following a motion moved by Dino Melaye, representing Kogi West, who relied on order 14 and 52, to demand the approval of his colleagues for his two prayers including the invitation of the AGF and the genuineness of the rule book.

Malami was billed to appear before the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, but did not show up, but sent a letter stating his reasons for his absence.

The Senate panel in its fresh summon, the second in eight days, dated June 27 and signed by its chairman, David Umaru, asked Malami to appear before it on Thursday, by noon

The letter was received at the AGF office yesterday.

It read: “I write with reference to your (AGF) correspondence on the above subject matter with Ref HAGF/NASS/ZOIG/Vol.1/24, dated 23rd June, 2016, whereby you requested for an adjournment of the meeting of the committee, which was supposed to hold on Thursday, June 23, 2016, to enable you prepare your response.

“The committee has considered your request and having regard to the reason adduced, acceded to the request for an adjournment. Accordingly, the meeting is now scheduled to hold on Thursday 30th June 2016 at 12 noon prompt.

“The venue is Senate Meeting Room 31.3, 3rd Floor, New Senate Building, National Assembly Complex.

“You are by this letter invited to appear before the mentioned place above.”

The senate is reportedly miffed that the AGF decided to revisit the matter after Justice Gabriel Kolawole of Abuja High Court had adjudicated and ruled that the issue is an internal affair of the Red Chamber.

Saraki, Ekweremadu, Salisu Abubakar Maikasuwa and Benedict Efeturi were on Monday arraigned before the Federal High Court, Abuja, on charges of forging the Senate Standing Rules with which they conducted the election that brought them into office as principal officers.

Soon after they were arraigned and granted bail Saraki and Ekweremadu released separate statements, accusing the presidency of a plot to destabilize the legislature and enforce a leadership change through the back door, an allegation the presidency instantly denied.

•Excerpted from a Daily Sun report. Photo shows the Senate in session.

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