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SEN. ABDUL NINGI TO SEEK LEGAL REDRESS ON HIS SUSPENSION 



Following his suspension by the Nigerian Senate, Abdul Ahmed Ningi, Senator representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District has requested for the withdrawal of his suspension within the period of seven days (one week), failure of which he would seek legal redress. This call was contained in a letter written by his counsel, Barr. Femi Falana (SAN) and related to the Senate. 

Recall that Ningi's suspension followed interview he granted BBC Hausa Service on March 9, 2024 in which he alluded to inflation of Nigerian Budget to the tune of N3.7trillion, an action that did not go down with Goodwill Akpabio led Senate, hence the three months suspension passed on him. Ningi maintained that while the budget passed by the National Assembly is N25trillion, the one being implemented is N28.7trillion.

The letter reads in part, “We are Solicitors to Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (hereinafter referred to as "our client") on whose behalf we write this letter.

“On March 9, 2024, our client granted an interview to the BBC Hausa Service on the 2024 Appropriation Act. He expressed his views on the budget of the Federal Government in exercise of his fundamental right of freedom of speech guaranteed by section 39 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended and article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act (Cap A9) Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. 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.

Since this development, Nigerians have been reacting, expressing dismay over such occurrence, moreso that it is not the first of its kind. Speaking to Ideal Reporters, an anonymous citizen said the Senate nay, the National Assembly has been using suspension as a mechanism to silence dissenting voices which he according to him "is not good for democracy". It is hoped that if he eventually wins against the Senate to secure his reinstatement, lawmakers would gain their voice should leadership of the National Assembly stand against constituents.

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