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In a striking revelation, Senator Shehu Sani has recounted how he narrowly escaped a six-month suspension during his tenure in the Nigerian Senate after disclosing the salaries and allowances of federal lawmakers.
His comments come in the wake of the recent suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was sanctioned for alleged misconduct after speaking out against perceived impunity in the Senate.
Reflecting on his own experience, Senator Sani stated, “When I publicly disclosed the salaries and allowances of the Senators, it nearly earned me a SIX months suspension if not for Divine Intervention, Saraki and Ekwerenmadu’s immediate rescue.”
He credited the then President of the Senate, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, and his deputy, Ike Ekwerenmadu, for stepping in to shield him from the punitive measures that were being considered by his colleagues.
Senator Sani’s disclosure of senators’ remuneration in 2018, which included a monthly running cost of N13.5 million, sparked widespread public debate and drew sharp criticism from his fellow lawmakers.
The Street Reporters Newspaper reports that also recently suspended from the Senate for speaking the truth was Senator Abdul Ningi, whose earlier suspension further highlights the challenges faced by lawmakers who speak out against perceived injustices.
Senator Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, was suspended for three months in March 2024 after alleging that the 2024 budget had been inflated by ₦3 trillion.
Senator Ningi’s claims, made during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, suggested that Nigeria was operating two different budgets: one approved by the National Assembly and another being implemented by the presidency.
Following his suspension, Senator Ningi resigned as Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum, citing unfolding events in the National Assembly, the North, and the nation at large.
Senator Shehu Sani emphasized the risks faced by those who dare to challenge the status quo within the legislative chamber. “Just know that if you are there and you blow whistle too loudly, you will be ‘On your Own,’ no Senator go bring him head or neck to support you,” he warned.
The suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan yesterday has reignited discussions about the culture of silence and conformity within the Senate.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, was suspended for six months following a confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements and her allegations of sexual harassment against him.
Her suspension has been widely criticized as an attempt to stifle dissent and maintain the status quo.
Senator Shehu Sani’s remarks highlight the challenges faced by lawmakers who choose to speak out against perceived injustices within the Senate.
His experience serves as a cautionary tale for those who might consider following in his footsteps.
As the debate over Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension continues, Senator Shehu Sani’s reflections offer a sobering reminder of the personal and professional risks associated with whistleblowing in Nigeria’s legislative chambers.
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