For the first time in a long while, the Senate suspended one of its own, Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District, following his controversial claim on the 2024 budget.
Senator Ningi bagged a three-month suspension on Tuesday over a N3trn 2024 budget padding claims.
Ningi, who until his three-month suspension was the Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, was sanctioned because of the false claims against the National Assembly and the Executive.
During Tuesday’s plenary, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, representing Ondo South, moved a motion that the lawmaker be suspended for 12 months.
The lawmaker also urged the Senate to strip Ningi of his entitlements and privileges.
However, other lawmakers suggested a three month suspension, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio issued the suspension thereafter.
The suspension, which is a significant disciplinary action within the legislative framework, carries with it several repercussions for the senator.
Here’s what a Nigerian Senator like Abdul Ningi stands to lose upon suspension:
Legislative Participation: The suspended senator will be barred from attending Senate plenaries, committee meetings, and participating in oversight functions.
Financial Entitlements: Salary, allowances, and all other entitlements are withheld during the suspension period.
Access to Facilities: The senator will lose access to their office and is prohibited from entering the premises of the National Assembly until the suspension is lifted.
Leadership Roles: In the case of Senator Ningi, he resigned from his position as the Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum shortly after his suspension.
