The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)/Transparency International in Nigeria (TI-Nigeria) has raised concerns over what it calls undemocratic actions and questionable decisions by the Senate leadership, particularly the recent suspension of Senator Abdul Ningi.
In a press release issued by the Executive Director of CISLAC/TI-Nigeria, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), the organization expressed shock at the suspension, which it believes was initiated against Senator Ningi for expressing constitutionally guaranteed concerns and observations on the 2024 budget.
According to the statement, the suspension came at a critical moment when Nigeria grapples with socio-economic and financial crises.
It alleges that Senator Ningi’s suspension may be linked to his public exposure of the alleged padding of N3 trillion into the 2024 budget by the Senate.
The press release asserted that freedom of expression and opinion are fundamental to preserving democratic culture, values, and principles in Nigeria.
It cited relevant constitutional provisions and international declarations that guarantee these rights, emphasizing the need for their strict adherence and protection.
”The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria does not grant the Senate the power to suspend a member of the National Assembly. Such actions violate fundamental rights and disregard the rule of law,” the statement noted.
The statement concluded by warning that the Senate’s repressive actions could portray the legislative arm as autocratic and negatively impact legislators’ independence, robust debate, genuine submissions, and the legislature’s image before Nigerians and the rest of the world.
