Senate adjourns sitting for two months, as EFCC summons Ekweremadu

The Senate on Tuesdsy adjourned its plenary for two months over attacks on the leadership of the Senate.

The announcement was made by Senate President Bukola Saraki who presided over Tuesday’s plenary.

The home of Saraki and the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu were earlier on Tuesday besieged by operatives of the Nigeria Police,as well as men of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

While Saraki, was able to find his way to the Senate, where he announced the defection of 15 members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), his deputy, Ekweremadu was absent as his home is still under siege.

Senator Chukwuka Utazi, had called on the Senate to demand that the security operatives be withdrawn and that the lawmakers should proceed on their annual eight -week recess which was scheduled to start on Thursday.

The prayers were unanimously granted.

The lawmakers had also condemned the APC – led government and security agencies for their alleged clampdown on perceived opponents.

Following a motion by Senator Barnabas Gemade, the Senate went for 30 minutes recess to allow them reconvene and adopt the votes and proceedings of the Tuesday plenary.

When they reconvened after the recess, Senate President Saraki announced that the plenary of the Senate had been adjourned till September 25.

Meanwhile, after initially laying siege on Ekweremadu’s home without giving any reason, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has finally summoned the Deputy Senate President over alleged money laundering.

In its letter of invitation dated July 24 and signed by the Director of Operations, Mohammed Abba, the EFCC said that Ekweremadu should report to its Abuja office on Tuesday (today), for “clarification.”

READ ALSO : Saraki, Ekweremadu’s homes under Police, DSS siege

The anti-graft agency claimed in the letter that it was “investigating activities of conspiracy, abuse of office and money laundering,” by the senator.

“This commission is investigating the above mentioned case in which your name featured prominently and the need to obtain certain clarifications from you became imperative.”

“In view of the above, you are kindly requested to report and interview the undersigned at 5 Fomela street, Off Adetokumbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse II Abuja on Tuesday 24 July, 2018 at 10am prompt.

“This request is made pursuant to section 38(1) of the Economic and Financial Crimes(Establishment) Act, 2004.”

The letter came despite the continued siege on Ekweremadu’s home by the EFCC and a team of policemen.

 

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