Rep seeks constitutional amendment to regulate lawmakers’ suspension
A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Mansur Manu Soro, has called for a constitutional amendment to regulate the suspension of National Assembly members, citing concerns over excessive powers wielded by the Senate President and Speaker of the House. Speaking to journalists in Bauchi on Monday, Manu Soro reacted to the recent suspension of […]
House of Representatives
A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Mansur Manu Soro, has called for a constitutional amendment to regulate the suspension of National Assembly members, citing concerns over excessive powers wielded by the Senate President and Speaker of the House.
Speaking to journalists in Bauchi on Monday, Manu Soro reacted to the recent suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central), arguing that the Nigerian Constitution does not explicitly outline the process for suspending an elected lawmaker.
“The office of a senator or House member is a creation of the 1999 Constitution, just like that of the president, governors, and local government chairmen.
“While the constitution provides procedures for impeaching a president or governor, it does not specify how a duly elected lawmaker can be suspended,” he stated.
He noted that the only constitutional process for removing a legislator is a recall by constituents through the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“The National Assembly has the right to establish its own rules, but the question remains whether the Senate or House rules can override constitutional provisions,” he said.
Soro recalled how the suspension of Bauchi Central senator, Abdul Ahmed Ningi, denied his constituents representation.
He revealed that he has prepared a bill to amend the constitution, ensuring due process in suspending lawmakers.
“The bill seeks to regulate suspensions to prevent abuse and safeguard representation for all 109 senatorial districts and 360 federal constituencies,” he explained.
He also called for a review of the appointment process for the Senate Committee on Ethics and Code of Conduct.
“You cannot expect a chairman appointed by the Senate president, who can remove him at any time, to recommend sanctions against that same authority,” he argued.
Manu emphasised that strengthening the legislature is essential for sustaining Nigeria’s democracy and ensuring effective oversight of the executive.