ABUJA – By Paul Efiong The Supreme Court on Friday sacked two Federal lawmakers in separate judgements.
Those sacked are Senator representing Taraba North Senatorial District, Sani Abubakar and House of Representatives member representing Vandikiwa/Konshisha Federal Constituency of Benue state, Herman Hembe.
According to the ruling, the duo also have a period of 90 days to refund all salaries and allowances they have collected since being sworn in.
In the case of Taraba, the Apex Court ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to issue certificate of return to Shuaibu Isa Lau as the duly elected Senator representing Taraba.
In a unanimous judgement of a five-member panel read by Justice Adamu Augie, the Apex Court held that the “the appellant has the right to participate just like any other candidate in the primary and if he feels his right was infringed upon, he has the right to approach the court.
“From the totality of the appeal before this court, all the issues are resolved in favour of the appellant.
“His substitution at the primary election is null and void since the appellant scored the highest number of votes, the only option is to declare the appellant as the winner of primary.
“This court hereby order that the appellant be issued with the certificate of return and the respondent should immediately vacate the seat.
“He should return to the National Assembly all salaries and allowances received as a
Senator within 90 days.”
Ruling on Benue, INEC has also been directed to issue Certificate of Return to Mrs Dorothy Mato, as the member representing the state in the Lower Chamber.
Prompt News recalls that Shuaibu Isa Lau had appealed the decision of the Court of Appeal which upturned his victory during the primary that he was wrongfully substituted.
Also, Mrs Mato had prayed the Supreme Court to upturn the ruling of the Court of Appeal which validated Hembe’s election.
