Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja, Nigeria
Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, has tendered his resignation as the Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum. This decision comes in the wake of his suspension by the Senate for a duration of three months following his allegations regarding the alleged padding of the 2024 budget to the tune of N3.7 trillion.
Truth Live News gathered that the controversy stemmed from Ningi’s assertions that substantial funds within the budget were unaccounted for in terms of project implementation. Despite his claims, the Senate emphasized the lack of evidence supporting the allegations of budget padding. Nevertheless, Ningi’s resignation signals a pivotal moment within the Northern Senators Forum and the broader political arena.
In his resignation letter, dated March 11, Ningi expressed his decision to step down from his position, citing the unfolding events within the National Assembly and the nation at large. He extended gratitude to the members of the forum for entrusting him with the chairmanship role for the past eight months, emphasizing the forum’s significance in fostering progress and development within Northern Nigeria.
The Senate’s response to Ningi’s allegations was swift, resulting in his suspension from participating in all activities of the 10th Senate for the stipulated three-month period. However, the resolution also offered a potential pathway for Ningi’s reinstatement, stipulating that an apology from the senator during the suspension period could lead to his recall.
The suspension proceedings witnessed additional prayers from fellow senators, reflecting the gravity of the situation and divergent opinions within the legislative body. Despite the ensuing debates and motions, Ningi’s departure from the Senate chamber underscored the tensions surrounding the allegations and their implications for legislative integrity and accountability.
Ningi’s resignation marks a consequential moment in Nigeria’s political landscape, highlighting the complexities and challenges inherent in budgetary oversight and governance.
