Nigeria’s House of Representatives has suspended Abdulmumin Jibrin, former chairman of the appropriations committee, over an alleged breach of legislators’ privileges.
The breach in question was the budget-padding allegations he levelled against Speaker Yakubu Dogara, 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.
Jibrin has played the role of a self-styled whistleblower for several months in an attempt to “expose corruption” in the House of Representatives. At a point, his campaign against the House leadership appeared to be a personality contest between he and the Dogara.
Hattip to TheCable.
