If Senator Abdul Ningi wants suspension reversed, he can put it forward – Senate

The Senate has stated that Senator Abdul Ningi of the PDP, Bauchi Central, has the option to bring up his request to have his suspension lifted in front of the lawmakers for discussion; if he does not, the issue would be referred to the Upper Chamber.

Senator Yemi Adaramodu of the APC, Ekiti South, who is the chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, revealed to journalists yesterday that the Senate has taken action on Senator Ningi’s suspension.

Adaramodu “We have stated that the Senate would convene and make a new decision if he (Ningi) desires a change to the ruling made by the entire body. It needs to be approved by all 108 senators. It’s not Ningi against Senator Adaramodu or Ningi against Akpabio.

“We have put Ningi behind us. If we want to rescind that decision, the entire Senate  will put it forward and decide on its merit.”

Recall that  the Senate on 12th March, 2024 suspended Senator Ningi for three months over allegations that the 2024 budget was padded with N3.7 trillion.

Following his suspension, Ningi through his lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) gave the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio a seven-day ultimatum to lift the suspension placed on him.

Also Akpabio through his counsel,  Umeh Kalu (SAN), replied Falana saying that Ningi’s suspension was a decision of the Senate and not his decision alone.

The letter read, “We have carefully read through your analysis of the facts and circumstances leading to your client’s suspension from the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and, are unable to find reason in your verdict of our client’s sole culpability in the said suspension.

“The decision and resolution to suspend Senator Ningi was that of the Senate sitting in plenary and not that of Senator Akpabio.

“In addition to the above and contrary to the contents of your letter under reference, our client was at no time your client’s accuser, prosecutor and judge.

“Our client’s role at the session of the Senate that led to your client’s suspension was and remains the statutory role of a Legislative House Presiding Officer, which role equally includes pronouncing the majority decision of the Legislative House at the end of debate and voting.

“Permit us to mention your attempt at drawing our client’s attention to legal authorities and pronouncements of our courts of record on the unconstitutionality of suspending members of Cresislative Houses, which attempt we dare say) was unhelpful, due to your failure or refusal to make available the relevant particulars of the said court decisions in your letter.

“You may wish to provide these legal authorities which you have alluded to, bearing in mind that every decision of a Court emanates from its peculiar facts, circumstances and extant Laws.”