Kwara lawmaker’s suspension rooted in legislative misconduct, assembly insists
By Oluwatoyin Hawal Momolosho –
The Kwara State House of Assembly has dismissed claims by the suspended lawmaker representing Edu State Constituency, Hon. Saba Yisa Gideon, that his three-month suspension was politically motivated.
Hon. Gideon had alleged that the sanction was imposed because he refused to support an alleged 2027 governorship ambition of the Speaker. However, the assembly described the claim as false, misleading and a deliberate attempt to politicise an internal disciplinary matter.
In a rejoinder issued on Sunday and signed by the chairman, House Committee on Information, Youth and Sports, Hon. Shittu Motunrayo Rukayat, the assembly said the suspension followed Hon. Gideon’s breach of legislative protocol.
According to the statement, the lawmaker secretly recorded proceedings of a closed-door pre-sitting meeting of members and released the audio to an unauthorised person, an action the House said amounted to contempt and a violation of its standing orders.
The assembly explained that the meeting was a formal confidential briefing meant to enable lawmakers to deliberate freely on sensitive issues, adding that members are bound by oath to protect the confidentiality of such sessions.
It noted that due process was followed, as Hon. Gideon appeared before an ad hoc committee on December 17, 2025, where he responded to the allegations and admitted to making the recording.
The House said the disciplinary action was taken in line with Order 4 Rule 14 of the House Rules and Section 14(2) of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, 2017.
Dismissing suggestions that the sanction was linked to political alignment or ambition within the assembly, the statement stressed that the decision was purely disciplinary and unrelated to personal opinions or future political aspirations.
The assembly reaffirmed that no member is above its rules, stressing that discipline and accountability are vital to safeguarding the integrity of the legislature.
It urged the public to disregard claims linking the suspension to governorship politics, reiterating its commitment to transparency, the rule of law and democratic values.
