Mr Umeh Kalu (SAN), counsel for the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has mentioned that the choice and backbone to droop Senenator Abdul Ningi (PDP-Bauchi) was that of the Senate sitting in plenary and never that of Akpabio.
Kalu said this in a letter to human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) titled, “Re: Request to Carry the Suspension of Sen. Abdul Ningi” and made obtainable to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday.
Ningi was suspended by the Senate for 3 months on March 12 over the 2024 Finances padding allegation.
Kalu within the letter mentioned, “We’re solicitors to Sen. Godswill Akpabio and write you in respect of the above subject material at his occasion.
“Your letter of March 27, with the above caption has been referred to us with directions to react thereto.
“We now have rigorously learn by your evaluation of the info and circumstances resulting in your shopper’s suspension from the Senate.
“We’re unable to search out motive in your verdict of our shopper’s sole culpability within the mentioned suspension. We subsequently plead non est factum for our shopper. ”
The letter additional learn, “Along with the above and opposite to the contents of your letter beneath reference, our shopper was at no time your shopper’s accuser, prosecutor and
decide.
“Our shopper’s function on the session of the Senate that led to your shopper’s suspension was and stays the statutory function of a Legislative Home Presiding Officer, which function equally consists of announcing the bulk resolution of the Legislative Home on the finish of debate and voting.
“Allow us to say your try at drawing our shopper’s consideration to authorized authorities and pronouncements of our courts of document on the unconstitutionality of suspending members of Legislative Homes.
“Which try we dare say was unhelpful, on account of your failure or refusal to make obtainable, the related particulars of the mentioned courtroom choices in your letter.
“It’s possible you’ll want to present these authorized authorities which you have got alluded to, taking into account that each resolution of a courtroom emanates from its peculiar info, circumstances and extant legal guidelines.
“In as a lot because it is probably not essential to canvass herein all of the cures obtainable to our shopper, in response to your threats of a courtroom motion and petition to the Authorized Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), it is crucial we point out that legislative proceedings are guided by guidelines.
“We urge you to offer due consideration to the authorized points raised on this letter and be guided accordingly in your additional and future motion in respect of this matter.”
(NAN)
