‘Budget padding’: Senate recalls Abdul Ningi from suspension

The senate has recalled Abdul Ningi, senator representing Bauchi central, from suspension.

The upper legislative chamber recalled Ningi following a motion sponsored by Abba Moro, minority leader; Olalere Oyewumi, senator representing Osun south; and Osita Ngwu, senator representing Enugu west.

Ningi was suspended for three months in March for alleging that the 2024 budget was padded by N3 trillion.

Moving the motion, Moro said the Bauchi senator has already spent two months away from the national assembly, and that there is a need for him to return to his legislative duties.

“Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi was asked to address his allegation of budget padding against the national assembly, following a motion of urgent national importance moved by Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, the chairman, senate committee on appropriations,” he said.

“Failing to address the allegation, the senate resolved to suspend Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi for three months for violating legislative rules, misconduct and unethical behaviour for the interview he granted on BBC media on the 2024 Appropriation Act, a legislation which he was part of.

“Senator Abdul Ahmed Ninigi, being under suspension, has spent over two months outside the precincts of the National Assembly Complex and needs to return to continue with his legislative activities as the senator representing Bauchi central senatorial district.

“Flowing from the above, the senate minority leadership takes full responsibility for the actions of our colleague Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi and apologises on his behalf.”

The motion was adopted after it was put to a voice vote by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.