The Kwara State House of Assembly on Thursday suspended Hon. Saba Gideon, the member representing Edu State Constituency, for three months following allegations that he secretly recorded a closed-door legislative meeting and shared the audio with an unauthorised person.
The suspension, described by the House as a response to “contempt” and a “breach of privilege,” was adopted during plenary after lawmakers raised concerns that Gideon’s actions could undermine the integrity of the legislative arm of government.
According to proceedings on the floor, Gideon admitted to recording the confidential session when the matter was questioned by his colleagues.
The motion to suspend him was moved without prior notice by the Leader of the House, Abdulkadir Magaji, who invoked Order 4, Rule 14 of the House Rules on Privileges as well as Section 14(2) of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, 2017, to underscore the seriousness of the alleged conduct.
Magaji said the alleged breach was not just a procedural violation but one that could damage public confidence in the House. He told members:
“Hon. Saba did something that can put this honourable House in jeopardy by sending sensitive information about its activities to the public.”
Several lawmakers contributed to the debate, expressing dismay at the conduct. Those who spoke included Ganiyu Salaudeen (Omupo), Musa Kareem (Patigi), Owolabi Rasaq (Shaare/Oke-Ode), Abdullahi Danbaba (Kaiama/Kemanji/Wajibe), and Oniboki Yunusa (Afon).
In adopting the resolution, the Speaker of the House, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, emphasised that the unauthorised recording and circulation of the closed-door meeting were actions “capable of bringing the legislative institution into disrepute.”
The Assembly directed that Gideon must submit a written apology to the House within the three-month suspension period.
