The Senate on Tuesday suspended Senator Abdul Ningi for three months over his claim that the 2024 budget was padded to the tune of N3.7 trillion.
Ningi’s suspension came following his claim that the 2024 budget was padded to the tune of N3.7 trillion.
News About Nigeria reports that Ningi, who is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Population, who represents Bauchi Central, made the allegation in an interview with BBC Hausa.
According to Ningi, the Senate could not account for N3.7 trillion in the 2024 Appropriation Bill.
Speaking during today’s plenary at the Senate, some northern senators disowned the claims made by Ningi, saying the Bauchi State senator did not speak for them.
They also called for a probe into Ningi’s allegation.
Senator Olamilekan Adeola (APC, Ogun West) raised a motion that there is an urgent need to address the false allegation by Ningi.
Also, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim moved an amended motion for the suspension of Ningi for 12 months while adding that Senator Sumaila Kawu (Kano South, NNPP) be warned.
Another Senator, Chris Ekpeyong (Akwa-Ibom North-West, PDP), opposed this by moving a motion of amendment that the suspension be reduced to six months, and it was seconded.
However, Senator Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South) made further amendments, asking that Ningi be suspended for three months.
After several deliberations and putting the amended motion to a voice vote, Senate President Akpabio ruled that “Senator Ningi is hereby suspended from the Senate for a period of three months.”
Following the pronouncement, Ningi was led out of the floor of the Senate by one of the sergeants-at-arm.
