SAN FRANCISCO, November 13, (THEWILL) – The Senate has revealed that it will challenge the November 13 judgment of the Federal High Court cancelling the six-month suspension of Senator Ali Ndume and ordering the Senate to pay all salaries and allowances of the Senator.
The Senate made this known in a statement by its Counsel, Mr Mike Ozekhome, saying the Upper Chamber disagrees with the said judgment.
“For the records, the Senate had challenged the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court to entertain the matter on several grounds, portions of which are outlined hereunder for the purpose of emphasis,” the statement read.
“That the Plaintiff wrongly joined several causes of action in his Originating Summons.
“That an action for the enforcement of fundamental rights to fair hearing can only be brought against a court or a tribunal, established by law as held by the Supreme Court in several current cases, and not against Committee of a legislative body.
“That by the provisions of sections 3 and 30 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, the trial court lacked requisite jurisdiction to hear the suit of the Plaintiff.
“The Senate’s argument is supported by various and current decisions of the apex court.
“The notice of appeal is ready and would be filed unfailingly by Monday morning.
“An application for a stay of execution of the orders of the court will also be filed same time.”
Ozekhome expressed optimism that the decision of the trial court would be overturned by the Court of Appeal.
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