A recent case involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension from the Senate has sparked controversy, with many questioning the institution’s authority to take such action.
According to an interview by Channels TV, Lawyer and public affairs analyst, Ibrahim Wali, has referenced a similar case in Bauchi state, which may shed light on the matter.
In 2017, Honorable Danna Rifkatu, the only female member of the Bauchi State House of Assembly at the time, challenged the decision to move the capital of Tafawa Balewa local government to Bogoro.
As a result, she was suspended by the Speaker of the House. Rifkatu took the matter to court and secured a judgment in her favor at the Federal High Court.
The decision was upheld by the Court of Appeal, which ruled that only the employer of a legislator has the power to suspend them.
Furthermore, the judges emphasized that the withdrawal of a legislator’s salary and allowances is unconstitutional, as the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission is responsible for determining their pay.
In his own words, “Honorable Danna Rifkatu versus the speaker of Bauchi state in 2017, the court of appeal gave the decision, she was the only female in the house by the way at that time. She challenged the moving of the capital of Tafawa Balewa local government to Bogoro, and they suspended her. She went to court and got judgement at the federal high court, they went to the court of appeal, and the court of appeal upheld the federal high court judgement. The judges in their own wisdom said it’s only who employs a person can suspend the person. They went further by saying you can’t withdraw her salary and allowance, because by the constitution it’s the revenue mobilization allocation and financial commission who decide the pay of the legislators.”
To Get More News, Click The Button Below.👇