The Senate has taken disciplinary action against Senator Abdul Ningi, suspending him for three months following his assertion that the 2024 Budget was padded with N3.7 trillion.
Ningi, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Population representing Bauchi Central, faced repercussions for his controversial statement.
Despite calls for an investigation into the allegation, some senators from northern Nigeria distanced themselves from Ningi’s remarks, emphasizing that he did not speak on their behalf.
Remain steadfast in his stance, Ningi reiterated on Monday that the staggering sum of N3.7 trillion remained unaccounted for within the 2024 budget.
During Tuesday’s plenary session, Senator Olamilekan Adeola (APC, Ogun West) initiated a motion to address what he labeled as Ningi’s false accusation. Adeola, who serves as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, presented a transcript of Ningi’s interview with Hausa BBC to the assembly, prompting Senate President Godswill Akpabio to convene a committee of the whole house.
Subsequently, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim proposed an amendment to extend Ningi’s suspension to 12 months, also suggesting a warning for Senator Sumaila Kawu (Kano South, NNPP). However, Senator Chris Ekpeyong (Akwa-Ibom North-West, PDP) countered with an amendment to reduce the suspension to six months, garnering support from fellow senators.
In a further amendment, Senator Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South) proposed a three-month suspension for Ningi. Following a voice vote on the amended motion, Akpabio announced, “Senator Ningi is hereby suspended from the Senate for a period of three months.”
Immediately after the pronouncement, Ningi was escorted out of the Senate chamber by one of the Sergeants-at-Arms.
