Ningi insists on N3trn budget padding, says he’s not afraid of suspension

Abdul Ningi, senator representing Bauchi central, has insisted that the 2024 budget was padded by N3 trillion.

Speaking with reporters in Abuja, on Monday, Ningi said the extra N3 trillion in the budget is not tied to any project.

During the weekend, the senator stirred a controversy when he alleged that a “huge damage” has been done to the north and the entire country through the budget.

The national assembly had passed a budget of N28.7 trillion for the 2024 fiscal year.

President Bola Tinubu had proposed N27.5 trillion, but the lawmakers jerked it up with N1.2 trillion.

The chairman of the Northern Senators Forum (NSF) said the country is operating two budgets.

There were reports that the senator risks suspension from the chamber as some of his colleagues who have disagreed with him plan to take up the allegation on the floor of the upper legislative chamber on Tuesday.

“At no time did I say Bola Ahmed Tinubu is implementing the N25 trillion budget,” Ningi said.

“I said we have established beyond reasonable doubt that N25 trillion so far has a nexus in the budget. That means that there is money, there is a project and then there is location.

“But we are yet to ascertain N3 trillion of that budget.

“We have established the N3 trillion of that budget, we have not established its location and the place.”

Ningi said he is not afraid of suspension from the senate.

“If it is a cross that I have to carry, I will carry it. I’m not afraid of anything. I believe in one God and I believe that power is transient,” he said.

“I am not scared of any issue like suspension – I have been out of the senate for eight years and people had to force me back.

“The budget evaluation is ongoing. I said lastly, the intention of the northern senators as regards budgetary allocation was to meet the senate president with our findings and subsequently meet President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with our findings.”