A public affairs analyst, Olufemi Adegbulugbe has faulted the suspension of Sen. Abdul Ningi by the Akpabio-led Senate, describing it as an unconstitutional and illegal act.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by himself, Adegbulugbe opined that it was not democratic to suspend a Senator or anyone for airing his views, either wrongly or rightly.
He pointed out that the suspension of a senator was an abuse of power and constitutional privilege, except it was expressly stated in the constitution that a senator can be suspended for freedom of expressio
He stressed that the unconstitutional suspension of a senator, and the attendant breach of the constitutional requirement of 109 senators, could also imply that all decisions and resolutions reached in the absence of Senator Ningi is null and void.
“The suspension of a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for voicing or airing his opinion, is abuse of the constitutional and therefore, an act of illegality.
” It could have wider political, legal and constitutional implications. Censure (formal statement of disapproval) is a more civilised punitive action that carries no punishment”, he stated..
Furthermore, Adegbulugbe wondered why Sen. Ningi should be suspended for expressing his views.
“How many Senators have been suspended for grand corruption? He queried.
He noted that in civilised societies like America, senators were suspended for offence like corruption.
” I would like to make reference to the USA Senate. Senators have been expelled in the USA Senate but these are for very serious offences like Conflict of Interest, Election fraud, Corruption, Embezzlement and support for rebellion (treason). These are very serious offences. A more common disciplinary action by the USA Senate is Censure (a formal statement of disapproval)”.
He, therefore, called on the Senate to be more concerned about suspending corrupt senators rather than vocal ones.
