Senate Breaks Silence On Ningi’s Suspension Saga

• Senator Abdul Ningi seeks recall from three-month suspension

• Senate refutes claims of suspension being a personal matter between Ningi and Senate President Akpabio

• Senate to address Ningi’s letter upon resumption from Easter and Eid break

Eko Hot Blog reports that amidst the controversy surrounding Senator Abdul Ningi’s suspension, the Senate has responded to the embattled lawmaker’s seven-day ultimatum, clarifying that the matter is not a personal dispute between Ningi and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

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Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Committee on Media and Public Affairs, addressed the issue, stating, “It is not a matter between Ningi and Akpabio. It is a matter between 108 Senators and Ningi. The action was taken by all the Senators in an open session.”

Ningi, through his counsel Femi Falana (SAN), had written to Akpabio, seeking to be recalled within seven days or face legal action. The suspension followed Ningi’s accusation of the senate leadership padding the 2024 budget by N3.7 trillion.

In the letter, Falana stated, “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. This was in utter violation of the provisions of Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution.”

However, Adaramodu clarified that the Senate would address Ningi’s letter upon resumption from the Easter and Eid break. “The Senate is on Easter and Eid break. When we resume, we will see the content of the letter,” he said.

Regarding the seven-day ultimatum, Adaramodu responded, “Now that we are on break, will there be any official transaction on any correspondence? The break is official, there couldn’t have been any transaction during the period.”

Earlier, Akpabio had stated that Ningi’s issue would be resolved amicably when the Senate reconvenes on April 16. “It is a parliamentary decision. I have not seen the letter yet. But Senator Ningi is one of us. I believe that in a few days, he will join us. There is no problem. It would be resolved amicably. The Senate is a family,” Akpabio had said.

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The Senate’s response highlights the collective nature of Ningi’s suspension, refuting claims of it being a personal matter between the lawmaker and the Senate President.

As the legislative body prepares to reconvene, the resolution of this contentious issue remains a priority, with the Senate asserting its commitment to upholding due process and addressing concerns raised by its members.

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