Senate Hails Withdrawal of Forgery Suit by Saraki’s Opponents

The Senate yesterday commended its members who operate under the aegis of The Unity Forum for withdrawing the suit they filed before the Federal High Court, Abuja, in which they sought to remove the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, and his deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, from office over allegations of forgery of the Senate Standing Orders 2015 used for the inauguration of the 8th Senate.

Justice Ademola Adeniyi of the Federal High Court, Abuja on Monday struck out the case and terminated further hearing on the matter after the

plaintiffs, who are members of the group loyal to Senator Ahmed Lawal who in turn lost out to Saraki in the contest for the Senate presidency, withdrew their suit.

The five members of the Unity Forum who instituted the suit are Senators Abu Ibrahim, Kabiru Marafa, Ajayi Borofice, Olugbenga Ashafa and Suleiman Hunkuyi.

A statement by the Chairman, Senate ad hoc Committee on Media and Publicity, Senator Dino Melaye, commended members of both the Unity Forum and the Like Minds Senators loyal to Saraki for their maturity and sagacity.

Melaye said with the discontinuation of the suit, the plaintiffs and their supporters demonstrated that national interest was superior to individual and group interest.

He added that the development had put to shame divisive elements who wanted to ridicule the Senate.

Melaye said: “On behalf of the Senate, we want to commend the maturity of the Unity Group and Like Minds Group. We appreciate that by withdrawing the suit, national interest has overcome individual and group interest.

“I salute the sagacity of the Unity Forum for withdrawing the matter from the court. This is as a result of a series of underground reconciliatory moves. I salute the sense of purpose of both groups.

“By this very positive development, the divisive elements who wanted to bring the 8th Senate to ridicule have been completely shamed.”

He stated that the 8th Senate would henceforth remain focused on issues that border only on the security and welfare of the people.

“Our primary objectives shall continue to remain about the people, the people and the people. The Senate President has promised to carry all parties along and he shall at all times place national interest above primordial sentiments,” Melaye said.