Reinstate Suspended Senator Ningi or Face LPDC Action, Falana Warns Akpabio

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has demanded the immediate reinstatement of Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi, representing the Bauchi Central Senatorial District, who was suspended by the Senate on March 12, 2024, for alleging budget padding.

Falana, serving as Ningi’s legal counsel, accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of violating his client’s right to fair hearing and called for the lifting of Ningi’s suspension. Failure to comply, Falana warned, would result in reporting Akpabio to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC).

In a letter addressed to Akapbio dated March 25, 2024, Falana highlighted Akpabio’s role in initiating Ningi’s trial before the Senate on March 14, following an interview Ningi granted to the BBC Hausa Service regarding the 2024 Appropriation Act.

Falana condemned Akpabio’s multiple roles as accuser, prosecutor, and judge during the trial, which he deemed a violation of Nigeria’s constitution and international human rights laws.

Furthermore, Falana argued that the Senate’s decision to suspend Ningi not only infringed upon his fundamental rights but also deprived the people of Bauchi Central Senatorial District of representation, contravening constitutional provisions.

Citing legal precedents where courts ruled against the suspension of legislators, Falana emphasized the illegality and unconstitutionality of Ningi’s suspension and urged Akpabio to lift it promptly.

Should Akpabio fail to comply within seven days, Falana warned of legal action to seek Ningi’s reinstatement and LPDC intervention for Akpabio’s disregard of court judgments.