Gideon was accused of secretly recording a private session of the House and sharing the audio with an unauthorized recipient. The decision followed a motion moved without notice by the Leader of the House, Hon. Abdulkadir Magaji, during Thursday’s plenary.
Lawmakers said Gideon admitted to recording the session and circulating the audio outside the chamber. The Assembly based its action on Order 4, Rule 14 of its Privileges Rules and Section 14(2) of the Legislative Houses Powers and Privileges Act 2017.
Several lawmakers described the act as a serious breach of trust, legislative ethics, and parliamentary privilege. Those who contributed to the debate included Hon. Ganiyu Folabi Salaudeen, Hon. Musa Kareem, Hon. Owolabi Rasaq, Hon. Abdullahi Halidu Danbaba (Kaiama Kemanand Constituency), and Hon. Oniboki Yunusa (Afon Constituency).
In its resolution, presided over by Speaker Engr. Danladi Saliu, the House noted that the unauthorized recording could bring the legislature into disrepute and constituted contempt of the House. Gideon was also directed to submit a written apology within the period of his suspension.
