Lawmaker Rejects Allegation of Secret Recording
A suspended member representing Edu State Constituency in the Kwara State House of Assembly, Saba Gideon, has condemned his suspension. He described it as illegal, unconstitutional, and a violation of his constituents’ rights.
Gideon spoke at a press conference in Ilorin on Saturday. He denied allegations that he secretly recorded proceedings of the House.
“I never recorded any House proceedings. At no time did I secretly or otherwise record deliberations of the Kwara State House of Assembly,” he said.
Suspension Violates Right to Representation
The lawmaker argued that suspending an elected legislator denies constituents their constitutional right to representation. He stressed that the law does not support such action.
“The law is settled that a legislative house cannot suspend a member indefinitely or arbitrarily. Doing so deprives the people of representation guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution,” Gideon said.
He added that his mandate comes directly from the electorate, not from the leadership of the Assembly.
“My mandate comes from the people of Edu, not from any individual or group within the Assembly,” he stated.
Constitution Overrides House Rules
Gideon maintained that no House rule or standing order can override the Constitution, which he described as the supreme law of the land.
“Any rule that contradicts the Constitution is null and void to the extent of its inconsistency,” he said.
He also faulted the decision to withhold his salaries and allowances. According to him, legislators are not employees of the House.
“The payment of salaries and allowances of lawmakers falls under the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, not the House of Assembly,” he explained.
Legal Limits on Legislative Suspension
Citing existing laws, Gideon said that even when discipline is justified, the duration of suspension is limited.
“The Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act limits suspension for contempt to a maximum of 48 hours. Anything beyond that is illegal and unconstitutional,” he said.
Alleged Breach of Due Process
The lawmaker questioned the procedure used to suspend him. He claimed the Assembly did not follow due process.
According to him, the House can only enter a closed-door session after a motion is moved, seconded, and approved through a public vote. He said this did not happen in his case.
“No final decision or suspension can legally be taken in private without ratification in an open plenary,” he added.
Gideon also said allegations of misconduct should have been referred to the Ethics and Privileges Committee. He claimed he was denied a fair hearing.
“There was no committee investigation, no fair hearing, and no supermajority vote,” he alleged.
Vows to Pursue Legal Redress
Gideon warned that arbitrary or prolonged suspensions weaken democratic institutions. He urged legislative bodies to exercise discipline within constitutional limits.
“If we want strong institutions, we must respect the rule of law. Legislative independence does not mean constitutional recklessness,” he said.
He expressed confidence that justice would prevail and vowed to pursue all lawful means to reclaim his mandate.
“My fight is not personal. It is about defending the constitutional right of my people to be represented,” he added.
Background to the Suspension
The Kwara State House of Assembly suspended Gideon for three months over alleged contempt of the House and breach of legislative privilege.
The Assembly accused him of secretly recording a closed-door meeting and sharing the audio with an unauthorised person. Lawmakers claimed he admitted to the act during a plenary session held on December 19, 2025.
The motion for his suspension was moved without prior notice. The House cited its rules on privileges and provisions of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, 2017.
The Assembly also directed Gideon to submit a written apology within the suspension period, stating that the alleged action could bring the institution into disrepute.
