Senators That Have Been Suspended At The Senate And Why
NewsNGR presents a comprehensive list of senators who have been suspended from the Nigerian Senate, detailing the circumstances leading to their disciplinary actions.
Senator Joseph Kennedy Waku (Benue) – Suspended in 2000
Senator Joseph Kennedy Waku, representing Benue State under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), faced suspension in the year 2000. The controversy leading to his suspension erupted when Waku made comments suggesting a military coup would be preferable to continuing under former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, which he described as dictatorial and the worst in Nigeria’s history. These remarks attracted immediate backlash, resulting in Waku’s suspension from the Senate.
Senator Arthur Nzeribe (Imo, Orlu Constituency) – Indefinitely Suspended in 2002
Arthur Nzeribe, serving as the Senator for Imo’s Orlu constituency, was indefinitely suspended in November 2002 by Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim amidst allegations of an N22 million fraud. The suspension followed Nzeribe’s alleged involvement in orchestrating an impeachment motion against Senate President Anyim. The Senate resolved to involve the police for a comprehensive investigation, stipulating that Nzeribe would remain suspended until evidence was provided to clear his name of anti-democratic conduct and other accusations.
Senator Ali Ndume (Borno South) – Six-Month Suspension in 2017
In 2017, Senator Ali Ndume from Borno South was suspended for six months. His suspension came after he requested investigations into allegations against then-Senate President Bukola Saraki regarding the importation of a bulletproof Range Rover with falsified documents and accusations of perjury against Dino Melaye. Originally, the ethics committee recommended a one-year suspension, but it was reduced to six months.
Senator Ovie Omo-Agege (Delta Central) – Three-Month Suspension in 2018
Representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege faced a 90 legislative day suspension in 2018. The Senate Committee on Public Petitions, Ethics, and Privileges recommended his suspension after investigating his comments on the electoral timetable reordering. Despite Omo-Agege’s court action regarding the matter and appeals from colleagues, then-Senate President Olubukola Saraki enforced the suspension, initially proposed to last 180 legislative days, but reduced to 90 days, emphasizing the importance of discipline among political leaders.
Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) – Three-Month Suspension
Senator Abdul Ningi, a prominent figure of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Bauchi Central, was recently suspended for three months. The suspension, enforced by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, occurred during a plenary session following Ningi’s allegations in an interview with BBC Hausa Service, where he claimed the 2024 budget had been padded by N3.7 trillion. Ningi alleged discrepancies between the budget passed by the National Assembly, totaling N25 trillion, and the one being implemented by the Presidency, which stands at N28.7 trillion.