Bauchi Central’s Senator, Ahmed Ningi, has threatened to take the Senate president Godswill Akpabio to court if his suspension is not lifted.
The Senate suspended Ningi for three months because he said the 2024 budget was inflated by N3.7tn.
In a letter, Falana explained Ningi’s interview with BBC Hausa Service on March 9, 2024. He said Ningi was exercising his right to free speech.
“Dissatisfied with the interview, you caused our client to be put on trial before the Senate on March 14, 2024 contrary to the provisions of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, 2018.”
Falana argued that the Senate’s actions violated Ningi’s right to a fair hearing and the people of Bauchi Central’s right to representation in the Senate.
“As a senior lawyer, you (Akpabio) 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 and confiscate his salaries and allowances”.
“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”.
He mentioned court rulings that found similar suspensions illegal. Falana urged Akpabio to lift the suspension, warning of legal action if he didn’t comply.
“However, if you fail to accede to our request seven days upon receipt of this letter, we shall not hesitate to pray 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.”
