In a case filed by Honorable Abdulmumin Jibrin before the Federal High Court, Abuja, challenging his suspension from the House of Representatives for 180 legislative days, the court inter alia held that the House lacks the power to suspend Jibrin or any other member, even for a single day, in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN) 1999, as amended.
Similarly, in a case filed by Senator Ali Ndume before the Federal High Court, Abuja, challenging his six-month suspension from the Senate, the court described Ndume’s suspension as “an exhibition of lawlessness” on the part of the Senate.
From the foregoing, it is crystal clear that both the House of Representatives and the Senate lack the constitutional power to suspend any of their members. Therefore, the purported suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti is illegal, unconstitutional, null, and void in the eyes of the law.
Rather than scapegoating Senator Natasha for the allegations she leveled against the Senate President, a responsible institution should be more interested in ensuring that justice is done. The fact that the Senate discarded Senator Natasha’s petition on technical grounds without examining its merits runs contrary to the principles of justice and equity. It also casts doubt on the Senate President’s integrity. If he is not guilty, why wouldn’t he allow an investigation to take place?
