Senate ends hearing on petition against Amaechi
October 12
15:16
2015
The senate committee on ethics has suspended hearing on the petition against the ministerial nomination of Rotimi Amaechi, former governor of Rivers state.
Amaechi had appeared before the committee on Monday to respond to allegations of looting and fraud brought in a petition to the upper chamber last Tuesday by three Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senators from the state.
In the petition, George Sekibo (Rivers East), had argued on behalf of other Rivers senators that the nomination of Amaechi as a minister was questionable, owing to the fact that he was accused of looting N70 billion of Rivers’ funds.
The senators, who are seeking to stop Amaechi’s confirmation by the senate, argued that when the former governor becomes a minister, it would be difficult to make him face charges for the alleged offences
However, Amaechi’s appearance at the committee only lasted a few minutes, as the matter was suspended abruptly.
In his brief statement, he said the allegations in the petition before the senate were already being challenged in court.
Samuel Anyanwu, chairman of the committee, ruled afterwards that since the issues in contention were already before the court, it would be sub judice for the senate to entertain them. He held that the senate would allow the court to handle the matter.
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Amaechi thanked the committee and left.
@Mr. Lawrence Odoli, get with the programme.
It is in court because Mr. Amaechi instituted legal action.