09
Mar
Mar
COURTS’ RULINGS AGAINST ILLEGAL SUSPENSION OF LEGISLATORS IN NIGERIA
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CapitalTimesNews / 9 hours
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The courts have consistently ruled against the illegal suspension of legislators in Nigeria, with several judgments declaring such suspensions as unconstitutional and a breach of the legislators’ rights. In a statement, Femi Falana SAN noted that the courts have been consistent in their rulings, citing several cases where the suspension of legislators was challenged and overturned. “The suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is the height of legislative recklessness. The illegal suspension should be lifted without any further delay,” Falana said. Falana highlighted several cases, including the 2010 case of Hon Dino Melaye & 10 other legislators who were suspended for accusing the Dimeji Bankole-led House of Representative of wallowing in corruption. The Federal High Court declared the suspension of the legislators illegal and unconstitutional and ordered the payment of their withheld salaries and allowances. Other cases cited by Falana include the 2012 case of Honourable Rifkatu Danna, who was suspended by the Bauchi State House of Assembly for allegedly making uncomplimentary remarks. The Bauchi State High Court declared her suspension illegal and ordered the Bauchi State House of Assembly to reinstate her and pay her withheld salaries and allowances. Falana also noted that the Court of Appeal has consistently upheld the rights of legislators, citing the case of Honourable Abdulmumin Jibrin, who was suspended by the House of Representatives for 180 days. The Federal High Court nullified the suspension and ordered the payment of the withheld salaries and allowances of the legislator. “The official impunity of suspending legislators at the whims and caprices of leaders of the federal and state legislative houses must not be allowed to continue in Nigeria,” Falana said.