The Nigerian Senate has suspended Senator Abdul Ningi for three months due to his claim that the 2024 Budget was padded with a staggering sum of N3.7 trillion.
Ningi, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), serves as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Population and represents Bauchi Central.
Amidst the controversy, some northern senators distanced themselves from Ningi’s allegations, asserting that the Bauchi State senator did not speak on their behalf.
However, he stood firm, reiterating that the unaccounted amount of N3.7 trillion persisted in the 2024 budget.
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During the plenary session, Senator Olamilekan Adeola (APC, Ogun West) stressed the urgent need to address Ningi’s false allegation.
Adeola, who chairs the Senate Committee on Appropriations, presented the transcript of Ningi’s Hausa BBC interview on the Senate floor after Senate President Godswill Akpabio called for a committee session.
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim proposed an amended motion, advocating for Ningi’s suspension for 12 months, while also cautioning Senator Sumaila Kawu (Kano South, NNPP).
However, Senator Chris Ekpeyong (Akwa-Ibom North-West, PDP) countered it by suggesting a reduction to six months, a motion that found support and was seconded.
In a subsequent amendment, Senator Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South) proposed a three-month suspension for Ningi.
Following a voice vote on the amended motion, Senate President Akpabio declared, “Senator Ningi is hereby suspended from the Senate for a period of three months.”
Immediately after the pronouncement, Ningi was escorted out of the Senate chamber by one of the Sergeants-at-arm.
Stay tuned for more details…
