Senate President Godswill Akpabio has distanced himself from the suspension of Senator Abdul Ningi from the Senate.
Ningi, representing Bauchi Central senatorial district, was suspended on March 14, 2024, following an interview with the BBC where he accused the Senate leadership of padding the 2024 federal budget.
Femi Falana, SAN, representing Ningi, wrote to the Senate president, urging Akpabio to lift Ningi’s suspension.
However, Akpabio, through his counsel Chief Umeh Kalu, SAN, clarified that the decision to suspend Ningi was made by the Senate during a plenary session, not by Akpabio personally.
Kalu explained that Akpabio’s role as Senate President is to facilitate debates and announce the majority decision of the Senate.
He disputed the notion that Akpabio acted as Ningi’s accuser, prosecutor, or judge during the suspension proceedings.
Responding to Falana’s references to legal authorities on the unconstitutionality of suspending legislators, Kalu requested specific details of these authorities.
He emphasized that legal decisions are based on unique circumstances and laws, and Akpabio is open to reviewing relevant court decisions.
Kalu concluded by asserting that Akpabio, though a lawyer, does not preside over Senate sessions as a legal practitioner. He highlighted that legislative proceedings are governed by rules, and legislators enjoy certain privileges for their actions during sessions.