Senator Ningi’s Suspension Raises Concerns On Freedom Of Expression, CISLAC Warns
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), and Transparency International in Nigeria (TI-Nigeria), expresses deep concern over the undemocratic actions taken by the Senate leadership, particularly the recent suspension of Senator Abdul Ningi.
The suspension, a cause for worry, appears to prevent Senator Ningi from exercising his constitutionally guaranteed rights by voicing concerns and observations on the 2024 budget during a critical period of socio-economic and financial crisis in Nigeria.
Senator Ningi was suspended due to the public revelation of the alleged N3 trillion padded into the 2024 budget by the Upper Chamber. This allegation exposes a lack of transparency and public accountability in the Senate’s annual budget allocation and spending. The distribution of the N3 trillion, with each Senator expected to receive N500 million as Constituency Allowance.
CISLAC emphasizes the paramount importance of freedom of expression and opinion is preventing Nigeria from achieving democratic values. This fundamental right is protected by Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), and Article 19 (2) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966), must be upheld and protected by civic institutions such as the National Assembly.
The organization calls on the Senate to review its stance, warning against suppressing democratic values and urging Nigerians and the media to resist any undemocratic actions impeding public accountability.
CISLAC warns that silencing dissent within the legislature could undermine democratic principles, highlighting the need for a conducive setting for free expression and constructive debates in the nation’s interest.
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