Constitution Amendment: Senate soft pedals on plann to override Jonathan’s veto

senate-jonathanThe Senate on Wednesday soft pedaled on its decision to override President Goodluck Jonathan’s veto on the Constitution Fourth Amendment Bill.

The Senate said it will rather go to Court to challenge a recent decision by the Supreme Court stopping the amendments.

Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba, Wednesday likened the Executive’s decision to rush to court on the matter to an ‘ambush’ of the National Assembly.

“It was made without us being put on notice and I believe that we can get the court to quickly determine that and we tend to pursue that option”, said Mr. Ndoma-Egba.

He, however, said the National Assembly would legally challenge the ruling.

“If you look at the powers 1999 Constitution conferred on the Supreme Court, they did not include this situation where one arm of government is having issues with another arm of government.

“The constitution has given the authority to adjudicate on situations like this so the best way out is to challenge that”, he said.

Earlier, Senate President David Mark said the Red Chamber will not attempt to override President Jonathan.

“We are lawmakers and we will not be lawbreakers. We are not just lawmakers but are senior responsible citizens and this is the apex of lawmaking in this country”, he said.

“Therefore, on the issue of constitutional review that is before the Supreme Court, we want to assure Nigerians that we will not break any law.

“We will take appropriate action that will ensure that democracy survives.

“But I will also like to warn that we should also not be taken for granted by the executive”, said Mr Mark.