By Bulkachuwa
In a recent turn of events, the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has taken a decisive stance in the case of former Bauchi North Senator, Adamu Bulkachuwa. The court’s ruling comes as a result of a confessional statement made by Bulkachuwa during a valedictory session held by the 9th National Assembly. This article delves into the details of the case, the court’s ruling, and the implications it carries.
The Confession
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During the valedictory session held on June 10th, Senator Bulkachuwa made a startling confession. In his speech, he openly admitted to using his influence over his wife, Zainab Bulkachuwa, the immediate past President of the Court of Appeal, to assist some of his colleagues who had pending court cases. His exact words were, “I look at faces in this chamber whom have come to me and sought for my help when my wife was the President of the Court of Appeal. And I must thank particularly, my wife, whose freedom and independence I encroached upon while she was in office, and she has been very tolerant and accepted my encroachment, and extended her help to my colleagues. I did my best, and in most cases, I succeeded.”
The Fallout
Bulkachuwa
Unsurprisingly, Senator Bulkachuwa’s confession generated a barrage of criticism and raised questions about the legality and ethics of his actions. In response to the mounting pressure, Bulkachuwa swiftly approached the court to seek protection from potential arrest or questioning by security agencies.
The Legal Battle
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Bulkachuwa’s legal battle saw the Attorney-General of the Federation, Clerk of the National Assembly, the State Security Service, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Nigeria Police Force named as defendants in the case. The crux of Bulkachuwa’s argument was based on parliamentary immunity and freedom of speech and expression.
He argued that he was “covered, privileged, and protected by the parliamentary immunity as enshrined in Section 1 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act 2017, and freedom of speech and expression made thereto is privileged.” Additionally, he sought a declaration from the court that without exhausting the internal disciplinary mechanism, recommendations, and approval of the 9th House of Senate, no other law enforcement agency could invite any member of the Senate for questioning or any disciplinary purposes related to his statements made on the Senate floor.
In a parallel development, Bulkachuwa’s wife, the former President of the Court of Appeal, vehemently denied allegations that she had favored her husband’s colleagues during her tenure as a judge. This denial added another layer of complexity to the case.
The Court’s Verdict
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On Tuesday, Justice Inyang Ekwo delivered the court’s verdict, and it was a significant blow to Senator Bulkachuwa’s legal arguments. The court dismissed the case for want of merit. Justice Ekwo’s ruling hinged on several key points:
- Confessional Statement: The court held that Senator Bulkachuwa’s speech amounted to a confessional statement, implying the possibility of an illegal act being committed.
- Legislative Immunity: Justice Ekwo ruled that Bulkachuwa was wrong to claim legislative immunity under Section 39(1) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, for his statements on the Senate floor. The court argued that law enforcement agencies should not be stopped from carrying out their statutory duties.
- Freedom of Expression: While acknowledging the importance of freedom of expression, Justice Ekwo emphasized that it should not be used to shield actions or conduct that the law criminalizes.
In essence, the court’s ruling underscored the principle that no one, including lawmakers, is above the law. It emphasized that the privilege of parliamentary immunity should not be misused to cover potentially illegal activities.
Implications
Justice Ekwo’s verdict carries significant implications for both Senator Bulkachuwa and the broader legal and political landscape. It reaffirms the importance of transparency, accountability, and the rule of law in a democratic society. The ruling serves as a reminder that public officials, regardless of their status, must be held accountable for their actions.
Furthermore, this case has sparked discussions about the limits of legislative immunity and the boundaries of free speech within the context of the law. It raises questions about the ethical responsibilities of lawmakers and the consequences they may face for actions that could undermine the integrity of the legal system.
Conclusion
The Federal High Court’s decision not to stop the investigation into Senator Bulkachuwa’s actions serves as a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over the balance between legislative privilege and accountability. It reinforces the notion that no one should be shielded from legal scrutiny when their actions potentially cross ethical or legal boundaries.
As this case unfolds, it will continue to capture the attention of legal experts, political analysts, and the general public. The outcome of this investigation will have far-reaching implications for the perception of justice, transparency, and ethical conduct within the Nigerian political landscape.
In the end, it is a reminder that the rule of law remains paramount, and those entrusted with upholding it must be held to the highest standards of accountability.
