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The Mbgbagwa Solidarity Council has issued a strong demand for the Benue State House of Assembly to immediately lift the suspension of Hon. Saater Tiseer, the duly elected representative of the Mbgbagwa Constituency. In a statement addressed to the Speaker of the House, the council described the suspension as unjust, unconstitutional, and unacceptable, arguing that it deprives the people of Mbgbagwa of their rightful voice in governance.
Hon. Saater Tiseer, a former Majority Leader in the assembly, was suspended for six months alongside another lawmaker over allegations of gross misconduct capable of undermining the unity and integrity of the legislature. The decision followed findings by an ad-hoc committee that indicted the affected members of misusing their offices for personal gains, actions deemed incompatible with their oaths of office.
The council contends that by suspending Hon. Tiseer, the House is not only punishing the individual but effectively denying the constituents of Mbgbagwa continuous representation. They cited Section 92 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which guarantees the right to representation, asserting that any interruption amounts to collective punishment of the constituency and undermines democratic entitlements.
Further emphasizing constitutional protections, the group highlighted Section 36, which guarantees the right to a fair hearing for every Nigerian, including elected officials. They argued that suspending Hon. Tiseer without full adherence to due process violates both his personal rights and the broader rights of his constituents, effectively silencing the electorate and resembling practices seen under military rule rather than in a functioning democracy.
The Mbgbagwa Solidarity Council called on the House of Assembly to restore Hon. Tiseer to his position without delay, ensuring his constitutional right to a fair hearing is respected. Doing so, they stated, would uphold the rule of law, defend democracy, respect the will of the people, and guarantee full representation and voice for Mbgbagwa in governance.
The statement also urged all “Ushongo sons” allegedly behind the suspension to cease such actions immediately, describing them as selfish, destabilizing, and a threat to peace, governance, and public trust in Ushongo Local Government Area. Continued efforts, the council warned, would be viewed as a direct attack on the peace, democracy, and constitutional rights of the constituency, to be met with all lawful resistance available to the community.
Signed by Hon. Ningir Terfa Felix as Chairperson, the Mbgbagwa Solidarity Council reaffirmed its firm stance in defending the constitutional rights and representation of the people of Mbgbagwa, vowing to continue advocating for democracy, justice, and the uninterrupted voice of the people.
As tensions rise in this political development, stakeholders are watching closely to see how the Benue State House of Assembly responds to these calls amid ongoing debates over legislative discipline, representation, and adherence to constitutional principles.
