Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s counsel, Mr. Umeh Kalu (SAN), has said that Akpabio is not entirely to blame for Sen. Abdul Ningi’s suspension, News About Nigeria reports.
Kalu stated this in a letter to Human Rights Lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) titled “Re: Request to Lift the Suspension of Sen. Abdul Ningi” in Abuja on Thursday.
Kalu noted that the decision and resolution to suspend Ningi were those of the Senate sitting in plenary and not those of Akpabio.
Recall that Ningi was suspended by the Senate for three months on March 12 over the 2024 budget padding allegation.
Falana had written to the counsel of the Senate President concerning the issue and requested that a response be sent.
However, Kalu noted in the letter that they were unable to find reason in the verdict of Akpabio’s sole culpability in the said suspension and therefore pleaded non est factum for him.
“We are solicitors to Sen. Godswill Akpabio and write you in respect of the above subject matter at his instance.
“Your letter of March 27, with the above caption, has been referred to us with instructions to react thereto.
“We have carefully read through your analysis of the facts and circumstances leading to your client’s suspension from the Senate.
“We are unable to find reason in your verdict of our client’s sole culpability in the said suspension. We therefore plead non-est factum for our client,” the letter reads in part.
He further stated that Akpabio was at no time Ningi’s accuser, prosecutor, or judge, adding that his role at the session of the Senate that led to Ningi’s suspension was and remains the statutory role of a Legislative House Presiding Officer.
“In addition to the above and contrary to the contents of your letter under reference, our client
“Which role equally includes pronouncing the majority decision of the Legislative House at the end of debate and voting,” he added.
