Senator Ahmed Ningi, representing Bauchi Central in the Senate, has taken a step towards challenging his suspension by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In a letter addressed to Akpabio through his legal representative, Femi Falana (SAN), Ningi demanded the immediate lifting of the suspension imposed on him.
The senator stated that failure to reinstate him within seven days would result in legal action against the Senate, with potential repercussions for Akpabio.
Ningi’s suspension stemmed from his public allegation that the 2024 budget was padded by a significant amount, a claim vehemently denied by the Senate.
Despite his defense of the allegation during a Senate session, Ningi was handed a three-month suspension for what the Senate deemed as damaging the institution’s reputation with unfounded accusations.
Falana, in the letter addressed to Akpabio, argued that the process leading to Ningi’s suspension was flawed and violated his fundamental rights to freedom of speech and fair hearing as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and international charters.
Furthermore, Falana contended that the Senate’s actions deprived the people of Bauchi Central of their representation in the Senate for an unjustifiable period.
Stating past legal precedents, Falana said that the suspension of legislators by parliamentary bodies had been consistently struck down by the courts as illegal and unconstitutional.
He warned Akpabio of potential legal consequences should the Senate fail to rescind Ningi’s suspension promptly.
