Senate Begins Investigation Of Dino Melaye Over Certificate Scandal

The Nigerian Senate has kicked off an investigation into whether Senator President Bukola Saraki and Senator Dino Melaye have abused their privileges as lawmakers in the Upper House of legislature.

While Senate is investigating Saraki over claims that he allegedly used his office to seek revenge against Nigeria Customs Service boos Hameed Ali, Melaye is being investigated over claims that he may have forged his certificate with which he ran for the legislative seat.

The Senate resolved to probe Saraki and Melaye following a motion moved by Senator Ali Ndume representing Borno South requesting that allegations against the two lawmakers should be investigated to ensure that there was no abuse of legislative privileges by them.

According to Ndume, allegations that the Senate invited Hameed Ali because he reportedly seized a bullet-proof Range Rover that belonged to Saraki because it did not have the proper papers needed to be looked into before the Red Chamber can move on with questioning Ali over the controversial issue of collecting Customs duties on old vehicles.

On the other hand, Ndume said allegations that Melaye did not really graduate from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria as claimed in his CV has to be investigated to make sure the truth is revealed.

The Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges is looking into the two matters and will report back to the house in two weeks.

Meanwhile, prominent lawyer Femi Falana has said the Senate has no lawful authority to summon Col Hameed Ali (rtd), the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service.

The human rights lawyer's claim, comes on the heels of the Senate’s invitation to the CGC, over not wearing his uniform.