THE House of Representatives on Thursday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to approach the court for interpretation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Act over the non confirmation of the Acting Chairman of EFCC, Ibrahim Magu.
The House resolution followed a motion moved by Minority Leader, Hon Leo Ogor, need to prevent the erosion of the doctrine of separation of powers in the nation’s democratic practice.”
The House also urged the officials of the executive arm of government to refrain from making statements that connote the usurpation of the powers of the judiciary.
The House then mandated its committee on legislative compliance to ensure implementation of the resolution.
Hon Ogor in the motion said that while the feud over the confirmation of the Chairman of EFCC lasted, a statement was credited to the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, to the effect that the appointment of the Chairman of the EFCC did not require confirmation of the Senate in line with Section 171 of the constitution.
To this end, he noted that “under the doctrine of separation of powers, the interpretation of the constitution and Act of parliament is the sole responsibility of the judiciary and not that of any person or official of the other arms of government.”
Hon Ogor said that the imminent threat to and the erosion of the doctrine of separation of powers in our democratic practice through statements by highly placed government officials in the presidency.
Most of the lawmakers who spoke maintained that there was need to ensure that doctrine of separation of power is strictly adhere to.
The motion scaled through when the Speaker, Hon Yakubu Dogara, put the motion to voice vote.
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