By Tolúlopé Olátúnjí
Senator representing Bauchi North Senatorial District, Abdul Ningi has returned to plenary sessions of The Senate on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, after a three-month suspension over alleged budget discrepancies
Ningi, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Bauchi Central Senatorial District, was initially suspended on March 12, 2024, over allegations of padding the 2024 budget by N3.7 trillion.
The suspension followed a long and stormy session in the Senate, where most lawmakers supported the decision through a voice vote. The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio described Ningi’s offence as “grievous” at the time.
In an interview that led to his suspension, Ningi claimed the Federal Government was operating two versions of the 2024 budget. He argued that the N28.7 trillion budget passed and signed into law by President Bola Tinubu was skewed against the North, with only N25 trillion tied to specific projects and N3.7 trillion unaccounted for.
Consequently, these claims drew significant backlash from many senators and the Presidency, who described Ningi’s assertions as “far-fetched and unbecoming of a leader of his status.” Ningi later denied saying that the country was operating two budgets but maintained that a portion of the budget was not tied to any projects.
However,last week, Deputy Minority Leader Senator, Abba Moro moved a motion for Ningi’s recall, expressing regret on his behalf and taking responsibility for his actions.
Accordingly, Akpabio announced Ningi’s unconditional recall, after Moro’s motion and additional pleas from lawmakers.
Akpabio lauded the Bauchi senator ‘s resourcefulness, describing him as a valued member of the Senate and emphasized that the decision to recall him transcended religious and ethnic divides.
Consequently, Ningi’s return to the Senate marks the end of a contentious period, with his reinstatement being seen as a step towards reconciliation and unity within the legislative body.
