By Abiola Olawale
Following the resignation of Senator Abdul Ningi from the position of the Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum, the senator representing Katsina Central in the National Assembly, Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, has emerged as the new leader of the forum.
Yar’Adua, a younger brother of the late Nigerian President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, was appointed as the forum’s new chair just two days after the suspension of Ningi over allegations of budget padding.
This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the forum. In the statement, the forum also named Senator Tahir Mungono representing Borno North as its spokesperson to replace Senator Sumaila Kawu.
The New Diplomat reports that Ningi, who represents Bauchi Central, accused the upper chamber of padding the 2024 budget to the tune of N3.7 trillion.
After a rowdy plenary session on Tuesday, the Senate handed a three-month suspension to Ningi. Shortly after the lawmaker resigned his position as the chairman of the Northern Senators Forum, saying his decision was based on the unfolding events in the National Assembly, the north, and the nation at large.
