Senator Ningi Challenges Suspension, Threatens Legal Action Against Senate President Akpabio

Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, has demanded his reinstatement and threatened to take legal action against Senate President Godswill Akpabio over his recent suspension.

The Senator expressed his concerns through a letter from his legal representative, Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

According to the letter, Ningi was suspended for three months after alleging that the 2024 budget had been padded with an inflation of N3.7 trillion.

The Senator argued that his suspension was unconstitutional and violated his fundamental rights, as well as the rights of the people of the Bauchi Central Senatorial District to representation in the Senate.

Falana pointed out that the Federal High Court had previously struck down the suspensions of other legislators who had accused the leadership of both houses of budget padding, corruption, or abuse of office.

He emphasized that no parliament in Nigeria has the power to suspend or expel a legislator and confiscate their salaries and allowances.

The letter also highlighted that Senate President Akpabio acted as the accuser, prosecutor, and judge in the case, which was a clear violation of Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution.

Falana urged Akpabio to lift the suspension immediately, stating that if the request is not granted within seven days, they will take the matter to the Federal High Court and report Akpabio to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee for disregarding court judgments.

Senator Ningi’s challenge to his suspension and the potential legal action against Senate President Akpabio highlight the importance of upholding the rule of law and respecting the rights of elected representatives.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Senate will respond to the Senator’s demands and whether this case will have broader implications for the Nigerian political landscape.