The Kwara State House of Assembly has defended the three-month suspension of the lawmaker representing Edu State Constituency, Hon. Saba Yisa Gideon, describing his claims of illegality and unconstitutionality as misleading and unfounded.
The Assembly’s position was contained in a rejoinder issued on Saturday by the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Youth and Sports, Hon. Shittu Motunrayo Rukayat, in response to a press conference addressed by the suspended lawmaker.
According to the statement, Hon. Saba Yisa Gideon was suspended for secretly recording a closed-door meeting of lawmakers and releasing the audio to an unauthorised person, an act the House said constituted a serious breach of legislative protocol and contempt of the Assembly.
The House explained that the suspension was carried out in line with Order 4, Rule 14 of the House Rules and Section 14(2) of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, 2017, stressing that the action was lawful, procedural and consistent with established parliamentary ethics.
“The suspension did not arise from the Honourable Member’s political opinions or contributions on the floor of the House, but from a clear violation of legislative protocol,” the statement said.
It noted that closed-door sessions are held to allow frank discussions on sensitive policy issues and that members are bound by their oath of office to maintain confidentiality.
“The act of secretly recording and publicly releasing such proceedings without the consent of the House constitutes contempt and a serious violation of trust,” the Assembly stated.
Contrary to claims by the suspended lawmaker, the House said due process was followed, adding that an ad-hoc committee was constituted to investigate the matter. Hon. Saba Yisa Gideon was invited to appear before the committee on December 17, 2025, where he reportedly admitted to the act without offering an apology.
The Assembly said the lawmaker’s admission of guilt informed the collective decision of the House to impose the suspension in order to maintain discipline, order and institutional integrity.
“No individual member is above the rules of the House, and accountability applies equally to all,” the statement added.
The Kwara State House of Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, democratic principles and the rule of law, warning that it would continue to take necessary steps to safeguard the sanctity of its proceedings and uphold public confidence in the legislature.
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