Godswill Akpabio, senate president, has hinted that the upper legislative chamber may consider lifting the suspension on Abdul Ningi, senator representing Bauchi central.
Akpabio spoke on Friday upon his return to Abuja from the
Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) general assembly in Geneva, Switzerland.
BACKGROUND
Early this month, Ningi sparked controversy when he alleged
that the 2024 budget was padded by N3 trillion and that the country is
operating two budgets concurrently.
Subsequently, the senate debated the matter at the
“committee of the whole”.
The senator was thereafter suspended for three months for
allegedly not providing evidence to back his allegations.
NINGI THREATENS TO SUE AKPABIO
In a letter dated March 27 and addressed to Akpabio through
Femi Falana, his counsel, Ningi gave the senate president a seven-day ultimatum
to lift his suspension from the upper legislative chamber.
Ningi described his suspension as “illegal”, saying he would
approach a federal high court for his reinstatement if the suspension is not
lifted within seven days.
“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,”
the letter reads.
“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.”
‘NINGI WILL JOIN US
IN A FEW DAYS’
Speaking on Friday, Akpabio said although he was yet to
receive the letter, he believes that Ningi will rejoin the senate in a few
days.
“It is a parliamentary decision. I have not seen the letter
yet,” Akpabio said.
“But senator Ningi is
one of us. I mean what is suspension? I believe that in a few days, he will
join us.
“So, there is no problem. It would be resolved amicably. The
senate is a family.”
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