Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja, Nigeria
In a recent development at the National Assembly, Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District, has been suspended for three months amid allegations of budget padding. The Senate, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, took this action following accusations of N3.7 trillion padding in the 2024 Budget.
Truth Live News gathered that the suspension came after a heated session in the red chamber, during which Senator Jimoh Ibrahim from the Appropriation Committee initially proposed a 12-month suspension for Ningi. However, Senators Asuquo Ekpenyong and Abdulfatai Buhari advocated for reducing the suspension period to six and three months, respectively. Ultimately, a voice vote led by Akpabio resulted in the majority of lawmakers supporting the three-month suspension.
Ningi’s suspension stems from his claims regarding discrepancies in the 2024 budget. He alleged that the Federal Government was operating two versions of the budget, with the N28.7 trillion version signed into law by President Bola Tinubu purportedly favoring the North. Despite facing backlash from fellow Senators and the Presidency, Ningi stood by his assertion that a portion of the budget lacked project allocations, amounting to N3.7 trillion.
Ningi’s defiance was evident when he stated, “I am ready to carry my cross, even if it means suspension from the upper legislative chamber.” This declaration underscores his determination to stand by his convictions despite facing consequences.
