ACF faults senate for suspending Ningi, calls for fair hearing in future

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has faulted the senate for suspending Abdul Ningi, senator representing Bauchi central, over his allegation of budget padding by the legislature.

On March 12, the senate suspended Ningi for three months over claims that the 2024 budget was padded by N3 trillion.

Reacting to the senator’s suspension, Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the forum’s spokesperson, said in a statement that the senate’s decision was hasty. 

The statement added that in the future, a thorough investigation of such an allegation should be carried out before a resolution is reached. 

“ACF acknowledges the 10th Senate’s constitutional privilege to determine how it operates or conducts its affairs,” the statement reads. 

“However, ACF expects that the exercise of the privilege will always be hinged, strictly and transparently, on relevant provisions in the constitution relating to the principles of due process and fair hearing.

“This is critical for a body empowered to make laws for the country and to exercise oversight functions over the operations of the executive arm of government.

“ACF regrets that Bauchi central will be without representation in the 10th senate for the 3 months, and stands with senator Ningi and his supporters in whatever constitutional means they seek to respond for a satisfactory denouement to this sad development. 

“ACF also calls on the 10th senate to act with more circumspection and sensitivity in processing criticism of its operations.

“Robust debates on public policy issues undoubtedly strengthen the development of the democratic project.”