Kaduna Assembly Suspends Member Over N10m Bribe Allegation

The Kaduna state House of Assembly has suspended its former minority leader,  Dr Shehu Adamum  from legislative activities for a period of  six-months  for alleging that 18 members of the House received N10 million bribe each to impeach the former Speaker, Mu’azu Usman Gangara and other principal officers of the assembly.

The decision of the House followed a motion by Hon. Muhammad Ali, the member representing Kawo constituency, who drew the attention of members to an interview granted by Dr Shehu Adamu in national dailies, where he made the allegation.

However, 16 members known as G16 have opposed the suspension of Adamu, insisting that he had not violated any rules of the house to warrant his suspension.

Presenting the report of the suspension, the Chairman of the Committee on Education, Ethics and Privilege, Mr Philemon Gidan-Mana, said that the former minority leader refused to appear before the committee on three occasions to defend himself, and bluntly indicated that he would not appear before the committee.

Gidan-Mana noted that the provision of the Legislative Houses (power and privileges) Act 1990, Cap L12 section 24(1) a, b and c says “any statement, whether in writing or otherwise, which falsely or scandalously defames a Legislative House or any committee thereof shall be guilty of an offence”.

He added that “the standing penalties for misconduct by a member would result in reprimand or demotion, withdrawal of privileges and expulsion from the House.”