ABDUL NINGI UPDATE: Counsel To Akpabio “Umeh Kalu”, Responds To Femi Falana

Umeh kalu (SAN), counsel to the Senate president Godswill Akpabio has said that the decision and resolution to suspend Sen. Abdul Ningi (PDP- Bauchi) was that of the Senate sitting in plenary and not that of Akpabio.

Mr Kalu stated this in a letter to Human Rights Lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) titled: “Re: Request to lift the suspension of Sen. Abdul Ningi” was made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday 4th April, 2024.

Mr Ningi was suspended by the Senate for three months on March 12 over the 2024 Budget Padding Allegation.

“Your letter of March 27, with the above caption, has been referred to us with instructions to react thereto.

“We have carefully read through your analysis of the facts and circumstances leading to your client’s suspension from the Senate.

“We are unable to find reason in your verdict of our client’s sole culpability in the said suspension.

“We therefore plead non est factum of our client”.

The letter further reads; “In addition to the above and contrary to the contents of your letter under reference, our client was at no time your client’s accuser, prosecutor and judge.

Our client’s role at the session of the Senate that led to your client’s suspension was and remains the statutory role of a legislative house presiding officer.

“Which role equally includes pronouncing the majority decision of the legislative house at the end of the debate and voting.

Permit us to mention your attempt at drawing our client’s attention to legal authorities and pronouncements of our courts of record on the unconstitutionality of suspending members of legislative house.

“Which attempt we dare say was unhelpful, due to your failure or refusal to make available, the relevant particulars of the said court decision in your letter.

“You may wish to provide these legal authorities which you have alluded to, bearing in mind that every decision of a court emanates from its peculiar facts, circumstances and extant laws.

“In as much as it may not be necessary to canvas herein all the remedies available to our client, in response to your threats of a court action and petition to the legal practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC).

“It is important we maintain that legislative proceedings are guided by rules.

“We urge you to give due consideration to the legal issues raised in this letter and be guided accordingly in your further and future action in respect of this matter”.