“In Nigeria, most of us adore injustice, harassment, bullying, abuse of power, mismanagement, etc. But if we cross out of the Nigerian border, we will begin to act like saints and respect laws”.
BY ODINAKA EMMANUEL
I saw average Nigerians who are also victims of the seared system celebrating Senator Natasha’s suspension by her colleagues, senators, for the period of 6 months; Withdrawal of her salaries, allowances and her security aides for these periods; Withholding the salaries of her aides for these periods; Banning her from accessing NASS complex, including her office; Banning her from appearing as a senator in local and international engagements; And also banning her aides from accessing NASS Complex.
First, by the provisions of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act 2018, a member of a Legislative House who “is guilty of contempt” of that House may be suspended but not for more than 48 hours.
The Senate Rules in Order 67(4) say a senator cannot be suspended for more than 14 days.
I don’t always write or engage in discussions without doing some studies of what I’m to discuss.
We are talking of a senator elected by her constituents, not the senators.
So a senator can be suspended by making an allegation that has not been discharged by any court against the president of the Senate?
What happens to the person facing the allegation?
It would be recalled that Omo-Agege angered the parliament leadership after he faulted a legislation that reordered the election sequence in Nigeria. Omo-Agege had said the legislation “unfairly” targeted President Muhammadu Buhari. His statement resulted in his suspension. He challenged the suspension in court and won.
The court said the parliament lacks the power to suspend any member for more than 14 days, notwithstanding its powers under the law to discipline erring members.
Recall Ali Ndume v. Senate (2018): The Court of Appeal ruled that the Senate lacks the power to suspend a senator beyond a reasonable period (often not exceeding 14 days), as it violates the rights of the constituents.
Which power does the Senate have to suspend a member for that duration, even when they have not investigated the allegations levied against the Senate President?
Like she said, such injustice won’t be sustained. The court will quash the useless suspension.
In Nigeria, most of us adore injustice, harassment, bullying, abuse of power, mismanagement, etc. But if we cross out of the Nigerian border, we will begin to act like saints and respect laws. All the politicians, once they leave Nigeria, you will never see them coughing out uselessly. Same as the average ones cheering them to this doom they’ve brought to our systems.
It’s sad seeing that average ones deserve the crop of leaders we have and will do worse once they have a chance to lead.
Na Lenten Period, ah no wan talk too much shaa.
…Odinaka Emmanuel, a public affairs analyst wrote from Abuja
