House suspends Jibrin for 1 year over budget-padding allegations

The house of representatives has suspended Abdulmumin Jibrin, former chairman of the appropriations committee, over an alleged breach of legislators’ privileges.

He is also “barred from positions of responsibility in the house until the end of the 8th assembly”.

The breach in question were the budget-‎padding allegations he levelled against Yakubu Dogara, the speaker, 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.

According to the House calendar, one legislative year comprises 181 days.

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.

While considering the report of the ethics committee on the floor of the house on Wednesday, Ossai Ossai, the chairman, informed his colleagues that that he was willing to step down for his deputy to conduct the probe against Jibrin, who had said earlier that he did not have confidence in him.

He said Herman Hembe, chairman house committee on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), one of the legislators accused of budget padding, excused himself not to be part of the hearing as member of the committee in the bid to make the hearing transparent.

He said Jibrin “deliberately” ignored to explore procedures of the house in seeking relief to his grievances.

“Consequent upon the foregoing paragraphs, the committee recommends as follows; To reprimand Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin in accordance with chapter 9 (1) of the code of conduct for members of the house of representatives,” Ossai said.

“That as provided in order six, rule 1 (4) of the standing orders and chapter 9 (2) of the code of conduct for members of the house, the house by this resolution further regulates its procedure and accordingly suspends Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin for 180 legislative sitting days in the first instance.

“Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin is required to tender a formal written apology to the house, prior to his future resumption of duties in the house.

“That in accordance with chapter 9 (3) of the code of conduct for members of the house, Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin should be barred from positions of responsibility in the house until the end of the 8th assembly.”

The house approved the recommendations of the committee after it was put to a voice vote.