Senator Ahmed Ningi, representing Bauchi Central in the Nigerian Senate, has demanded the lifting of his suspension in a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The suspension, imposed on March 12 for three months over allegations of budget padding, has prompted Ningi to threaten legal action if not lifted within seven days. Allegations of constitutional violations and denial of fair hearing have been raised by Ningi and his legal representative, Mr Femi Falana (SAN).
Senator Ahmed Ningi, the suspended representative of Bauchi Central in the Nigerian Senate, has taken a firm stance against his suspension, demanding its immediate lift in a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The suspension, imposed on March 12 for three months over allegations of budget padding, has prompted Ningi, through his lawyer Mr Femi Falana (SAN), to threaten legal action if not reversed within seven days.
In the letter titled ‘Request To Lift The Suspension Of Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi,’ dated Wednesday, March 27, 2024, Ningi’s legal counsel emphasized the alleged violation of Ningi’s fundamental rights, particularly the right to fair hearing, guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution. The letter accuses Akpabio of acting as “the accuser, the prosecutor, and the judge” in Ningi’s case, thereby violating constitutional provisions.
The suspension stems from allegations made by Ningi regarding the padding of the 2024 budget by N3.7 trillion, implicating Senate leadership and the presidency. Despite public outrage following these allegations, Ningi has maintained his stance, insisting that the missing funds from the budget cannot be accounted for.
Ningi’s lawyer, Mr Femi Falana (SAN), outlined the grounds for contesting the suspension, citing violations of constitutional provisions and previous judicial decisions. The letter highlights the alleged illegality and unconstitutionality of the suspension, calling for its immediate reversal to ensure Ningi’s rights are upheld.
Furthermore, Ningi argued that the suspension not only infringed upon his rights but also deprived the people of Bauchi Central of their representation in the Senate for three months, in violation of constitutional provisions.
The letter concludes with a warning of potential legal action if the suspension is not lifted within seven days. It threatens to petition the Federal High Court for Ningi’s reinstatement and to report Akpabio to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee for disregarding judicial decisions.
Senator Ahmed Ningi’s demand for the lifting of his suspension underscores the broader issues of legislative accountability and the protection of fundamental rights within Nigeria’s political landscape. As the deadline for action approaches, the response from Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Senate leadership will likely shape the trajectory of this contentious issue.
