ATBU Students Union Judiciary Committee Suspends Senate President, Dissolves Electoral Committee

The Students Union Government at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, the Judiciary Committee has announced the indefinite suspension of the Senate President of the Students Representatives Assembly (SRA). This decision follows multiple petitions and allegations of gross misconduct against the Senate President.

The Judicial Council, chaired by Amb. Mahmud Shuaibu, cited their jurisdiction as outlined in SECTION 2 (b) of the Union's Constitution, which includes overseeing cases involving the constitutionality of actions taken by the S.U.E.C, Parliament, and H.E.C., hearing petitions arising from the decisions of the Electoral Committee, adjudicating on constitutional violations, interpreting the Constitution, and settling disputes related to the implementation of its provisions.


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The Senate President's suspension is linked to violations of ARTICLE 11 SECTION 5 of the Union's Constitution, which addresses discipline within the Union. The specific charges include acting in a manner likely to tarnish the Union's image, unauthorized dissemination of official information, and defrauding the Union or its members. Additionally, the Senate President failed to adhere to ARTICLE 4 SECTION 1 (ix), which mandates the Clerk of Parliament to report the house's activities to the student body within 96 hours after any meeting.

Further complications arose from the Senate President's involvement in a bulletin that was determined to lack merit and be driven by personal interests. This bulletin, critical of the SUEC, led to the dissolution of the electoral committee by the Judicial Council.

In response to these actions, the Judiciary Committee has instructed the Deputy Senate President and the Clerk to communicate a new date for the last business sitting and the formation of a new electoral committee. The Dean of Students Affairs and Chief Security Officer will oversee the elections of the new principal officers of the electoral committee as per PART III ARTICLE 9 (iv) of the Constitution.


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The Judiciary Committee emphasized the importance of upholding the Students Union Constitution to ensure integrity and fairness within the Union. They warned that any member violating the Constitution would face appropriate penalties. The Senate President's recent actions, deemed chaotic and potentially crisis-inducing, necessitated his immediate suspension.

The Senate President has been ordered to cease identifying as the Senate President and to hand over all Union properties to the Clerk within 24 hours. This decisive action underscores the Union's commitment to maintaining order and accountability within its ranks.