Senator Abdul Ningi, the Senator representing Bauchi Central Senatorial Zone and former Deputy Majority Leader in the Senate has written to the Senate demanding Senate President, Godswill Akpabio to revoke his suspension within seven days or face legal action.
It would be recalled that Ningi was suspended by the Senate over an allegation of budget padding to the tune of N3.7 trillion. He told the BBC in an interview that projects worth N3.7 trillion were untraceable in the 2024 budget.
The allegation triggered a lot of controversies within and outside the Senate as Nigerians raised many questions on the activities of the lawmakers.
The Senate President, while reacting to the allegations by Ningi, lamented while expressing concerns that many Nigerians would no longer trust the Senate because of the allegation.
The Senators have faced criticisms from Nigerians since the the issue became public and it’s image and integrity is threatened as a result.
“The integrity of this chamber has been damaged and we wanted you to repair it with your speech,” he said.
Ningi was interrogated by the Senate at plenary and accused of mischief that resulted in three months suspension.
However, Ningi, in a letter through his Counsel, Femi Falana, said his suspension was “unconstitutional and illegal”, referring to Akpabio as the “accuser, prosecutor and judge”.
He gave Akpabio a 7-day ultimatum to revoke his suspension. He said he would approach the Federal High Court for his reinstatement if the suspension is not lifted within seven days.
“It is on record that you were the accuser, the prosecutor, and the judge in your case in utter violation of the provisions of section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended and article 7 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act Cap A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.”
“Apart from violating our client’s fundamental right to a fair hearing, the Senate violated the right of the entire people of the Bauchi Central Senatorial District to representation in the Senate for three months.
“This is a breach of section 111 of the Constitution and article 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights Act.
“As you are no doubt aware, the Federal High Court had struck down the suspension of some members of the Senate and the House of Representatives who had accused the leadership of both houses of corruption or abuse of office.
“Specifically, the court declared the suspension of the affected legislators illegal and unconstitutional. As a senior lawyer, you ought to have drawn the attention of the members of the Senate to these decisions and several others where the high courts of some states and the Court of Appeal have held that no parliament in Nigeria has the power to suspend or expel a legislator.
“In view of the foregoing, you will agree with us that the suspension of Senator Ningi and the denial of his entitlements are illegal and unconstitutional in every material particular.
“We are compelled to request you to ensure that the said suspension is lifted forthwith. However, if you fail to accede to our request within seven days of the receipt of this letter, we shall not hesitate to pray to the Federal High Court for the reinstatement of our client.
“We shall equally report you to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee for treating the judgments of the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal with disdain.” part of the letter reads.