Abdulmumin Accuses House of Contempt of Court

Damilola Oyedele in Abuja
The former Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Hon. Jibrin Abdulmumin, has described the investigation of the Committee on Ethics and Privileges  as a contempt of court.

The committee last week was mandated to investigate allegations of breaches of privileges of members of the House, and sundry acts of misconduct, against the Kano lawmaker.

The recommended punishment is a minimum of six months suspension. It is expected to submit its report today. Abdulmumin however shunned the committee’s hearing, saying he cannot be guaranteed fair trial.

Briefing journalists yesterday after plenary where he made a brief appearance, Abdulmumin said his lawyers had written to the Speaker, urging the suspension of the hearing.

“The most important thing is that this matter is already before a court of law. The speaker also entered appearance on the case, and the matter now becomes subjudice. If any action is taken, it will amount to contempt of court,” he said.

“The privileges of lawmakers do not confer immunity on them to be exposed on issues of fraud and corruption. If a member of the House decides to expose corruption, it can’t amount to a breach of privilege,” Abdulmumin added.

 Abdulmumin, following his removal,  had accused the Speaker of the House,  Yakubu Dogara, Deputy Speaker, Yussuff Sulaimon Lasun, Chief Whip, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, Minority Whip, Leo Ogor, and nine chairmen of standing committees of making senseless insertions into the 2016 budget and corrupt practices.