Chief Ferdinand Orbih, a renown Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has disagreed with the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN), over his statement that just like the position in Britain where Parliament cannot summon the Queen to respond to any issue, summoning Buhari by the National Assembly amounts to denigrating the sovereignty of Nigeria
In a reaction made available to TheNigeriaLawyer, Chief Orbih said Prof. Sagay’s comparison has no basis
“Prof, there is no basis for comparison between the fake Presidential system of Government we practice in Nigeria and the Parliamentary system that is practiced in Britain.” Orbih said
Giving reasons for the assertion, Orbih said, “Firstly, despite all pretentious to the contrary, President Buhari is not the King of Nigeria. There is no king under our Constitution.”
Secondly, Orbih said “we have a written Constitution whereas Britain is largely governed by unwritten conventions.”
Thirdly, Orbih said in England the Queen is a ceremonial head of state while Executive powers lies with the Prime Minister
“Thirdly, the Queen of England is a ceremonial head of State. Executive powers reside in the Prime Minister who is responsible for the day to day administration of the country.
“He is an elected member of Parliament. There is therefore no need for Parliament to summon him. He sits in Parliament like any other member though first among equals. His government policies are subjected to rigorous debates and examination at all times.” he said
Lastly, he said, “we are in a national security emergency and this needs to be addressed seriously and urgently.”
Chief Orbih therefore cautioned that “This is not the time for petty party politics.”
Recall that Sagay had thrown his weight behind the position of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami that the National Assembly lacks the constitutional powers to summon President Muhammadu Buhari.
Speaking in a chat with Daily Independent, Sagay said the President is higher than every other person in the country whom the National Assembly cannot equate to Ministers and head of agencies that they can summon.
Sagay who said summoning Buhari amounts to denigrating the sovereignty of Nigeria also reminded the lawmakers that the British Parliament cannot summon the Queen to respond to any issue.
Thenigerialawyer
