Alleged N3.7 trillion budget padding: Senate recalls suspended Senator Ningi

The suspended Senator, Abdul Ningi, on Tuesday, recalled after spending two months in suspension over alleged budget padding

Ningi, who was suspended on March 12, 2024, was recalled after Deputy Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro moved a motion on Tuesday, apologising on Ningi’s behalf and taking full responsibility for his actions.

Ningi was suspended based on an interview he granted alleging budget padding.

The Informant247 had on March 12 reported how the Nigerian senate suspended Senator Abdul Ningi for three months over his allegation of N3.7 trillion budget padding in an interview with BBC Hausa.

It was gathered that Ningi, during the interview, had said the Northern Senators Forum would take up the issue with Senate President Goodwill Akpabio and President Bola Tinubu, insisting another budget was passed “underground.”

Meanwhile, at a resumed sitting on Tuesday, Senator Adeola Solomon (Ogun West) moved a motion for the senators to debate the allegation, saying it has breached his privilege as a senator who was part of those that passed the appropriation on the floor of the Senate.

Senator Solomon’s motion was seconded by Senator Ned (Edo South).

However, after a lengthy debate by senators on the matter. Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (APC Ondo South) said Ningi should be suspended for months.

But contributing, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South) pleaded that the period be reduced to 6 months.

However, Senator Sani Musa (APC Niger) suggested that Ningi should be suspended for three months and should also be made to write an apology letter to the Senate.

After all contributions, Akpabio said, “Senator Ningi is hereby suspended for 3 months and disconnected from all activities of the Senate for the three months.”

This was after a voice vote from the Senators.

Although Ningi denied some of the claims in the interview during a briefing on Monday, he said he was quoted out of context.