07
Mar
Mar
COURT NULLIFIES HON JIBRIN’S SUSPENSION
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CapitalTimesNews / 2 days
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- 2 min read
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has nullified the suspension of Hon Abdulmumin Jibrin from the House of Representatives for 180 legislative days. The court, presided over by Hon Justice John Tsoho, declared that the suspension of Hon Jibrin is null and void, has no effect whatsoever, and was an affront and a clear violation of his fundamental human right. In a statement, the Media Assistant to Hon Abdulmumin Jibrin, Godwin Onyeacholem, said the court’s judgement was a victory for democracy and the rule of law. The court, in its over 40-page judgement, stated that the House does not have the powers to suspend Jibrin or any other member, even for one day, in line with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended. Justice Tsoho admonished the House of Representatives, being a body that derives its life from the constitution, not to offend the same constitution, so as not to end up killing itself. “It should therefore act as the bedrock of constitutional democracy,” he said. The court ordered the immediate payment of Hon Jibrin’s salaries, allowances, and other entitlements from the date of his suspension till date. Justice Tsoho expressed annoyance that despite the pendency of a suit seeking injunctive relieves against the defendants, the House still went ahead to constitute a panel to suspend the plaintiff. Justice Tsoho declared that the actions of the Ethics Committee and the leadership of the House were not only malicious but a gross violation of the rules of natural justice. He commended Jibrin for dropping his claim for N1 billion damages against the House in the spirit of reconciliation. In his reaction, Hon Jibrin described the judgement as “a long walk to justice.” “It will be recalled that the case, which commenced since September 2016, lasted 20 months in court, while I served 231 days in suspension before I was recalled in March,” he said. Jibrin added that the judgement and the sacrifice he made were a victory for democracy and the rule of law. “I thank my constituents, colleagues, lawyers, led by Femi Falana, SAN, Ahmed Raji, SAN, and their team of lawyers, and all other Nigerians that stood by me,” he said. Godwin Onyeacholem said Jibrin promised to dedicate his remaining term to providing and promoting good representation and governance.
