The ex-Adamawa acting governor Umaru Ahmadu Fintiri, who was removed by the court on Wednesday, could return to his former office as speaker, some lawyers have said.
Mr Mike Ozekhome, constitutional lawyer and senior advocate of Nigeria, said on Wednesday that said that by virtue of the judgment, the sacked acting governor automatically reverts to his former position as Adamawa house of assembly speaker “constitutionally speaking”.
“The implication of today’s judgment is that there should be an automatic reversal to status quo for Fintiri.
“However, if the house of assembly members do not want him back, which is their sole discretion, they will have to impeach him first.
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“If they decide to retain the incumbent speaker or elect a new one, then Fintiri will become a floor member,” Ozekhome said.
He applauded Justice Adeniyi Ademola’s judgment, describing it as “salutary and will help to move the Nigerian judiciary forward”.
Mr Chris Uche, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), also said Fintiri could revert to the position of speaker, subject to his acceptance by members of the parliament.
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