“Jibrin suspension height of contempt, Dogara made himself the accuser, witness, prosecutor n judge at the same” - Falana

Jibrin was suspended for 180 days by the House, following the recommendation of its committee on ethics and privileges.

Embattled lawmaker, Abdulmumin Jibrin recently issued a statement saying he has instructed his lawyers to file contempt charges against the House of Representatives.

He said “As you are aware, the matter is a subject of litigation; I have instructed my lawyer, Femi Falana SAN, to file charges of contempt against Speaker Dogara and of course the House of Representatives and I’m sure the matter will move over to the judiciary and decision will be taken. I’m pretty sure it will be in my favour.”

Speaking on the suspension of the lawmaker, his lawyer, Femi Falana said “It is the height of contempt. It is a primitive resort to self-help by the House of Representatives. Since the matter is in court, the House deliberately breached its rule of not interfering with pending judicial proceedings.

“In his desperation to cover up the scandal, the Speaker, Honourable Dogara, made himself the accuser, witness, prosecutor and judge at the same time and thereby breached the elementary rule of nemo judex in causa sua (thou shall not be a judge in your own cause).”