On Tuesday, the Senate pardoned Senator Abdul Ningi, who was suspended on March 12, over claims that the 2024 budget was padded to the tune of N3.7 trillion.
News About Nigeria reported that Ningi, the Senator representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District and the former Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum, was suspended for three months by the Senate following an interview he granted the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Hausa Service on March 9, alleging that about 3.7 trillion naira, representing over 10% of the 2024 budget, was illegally inserted into the 2024 National Budget.
The Senate’s decision to recall the suspended senator follows a motion moved by the deputy minority leader, Senator Abba Moro, apologising on Ningi’s behalf and taking full responsibility for his actions.
Senator Abba Moro said, “Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi was asked to address his allegation of budget padding against the National Assembly, following a motion of urgent national importance moved by Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriations. Failing to address the allegation, the Senate resolved to suspend Senator Abdul Ahmed Ning for three months for violating legislative rules, misconduct, and unethical behaviour for the interview he granted on BBC Media on the 2024 Appropriation Act, a legislation process he was part of.
“Aware that the said Senator Abdul Ahmed Ninigi, being under suspension, has spent over two months outside the precincts of the National Assembly Complex and needs to return to continue with his legislative activities as the Senator representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District. Flowing from the above, the Senate Minority Leadership takes full responsibility for the actions of our colleague Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi and apologises on his behalf.”
Following an appeal by some other of his colleagues, Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced Ningi’s unconditional reinstatement.
The Senate President further lauded him for his contributions and valued membership, adding that his recall was because he was a committed member of the Senate.
