Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has voiced his support for the suspended Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, amidst allegations of budget padding in the National Assembly, cautioning the Senate against becoming an instrument of oppressive governments.
During a solidarity visit to Ningi’s residence on Monday, Abubakar emphasized the importance of public institutions, particularly the National Assembly, maintaining independence from oppressive influences.
Senator Ningi was suspended for a three-month period by the Senate on March 12, 2024. In a recent interview with BBC Hausa, Ningi alleged a significant discrepancy between the budget passed by the National Assembly for the 2024 fiscal year (N25 trillion) and the one being implemented by the Presidency (N28.7 trillion), with claims of substantial budget padding.
“This agitation did not start just recently. It started during the military era, and it is essential that public institutions, especially the National Assembly, do not become a tool in the hands of oppressive governments,” remarked Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party.
However, Umeh Kalu (SAN), the legal representative to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, clarified that the decision to suspend Ningi was made by the Senate in plenary and not by Akpabio personally. This clarification comes amidst a backdrop of tension surrounding the suspension and allegations of political maneuvering within the Senate.
