The
house of representatives has suspended Abdulmumin Jibrin, former
chairman of the appropriations committee, over an alleged breach of
legislators’ privileges.
The
breach in question were the budget-padding allegations he levelled
against Yakubu Dogara, the speaker, four other principal officers and
other lawmakers.
Jibrin,
who failed to show up at the ethics and privileges committee to defend
himself, was suspended following the report and recommendations laid
before the house by the committee after the conclusion of its hearing.
The
lawmaker was suspended for 180 legislative days, which is
approximately one year, after the house considered the recommendations
of the ethics committee.
Apart from raising budget padding allegations, Jibrin had also said some lawmakers were not “worthy” to belong to the house.
Femi
Falana, counsel to the former appropriations chairman, had urged the
speaker to suspend the probe, saying it was a contravention of Order 9
rule 5 of the house standing rules.
According to the House calendar, one legislative year comprises 181 days.
The Cable reportage