Alleged Budget Padding: Ningi breaks silence, threatens lawsuit if not recalled from suspension

Two weeks after his suspension from the upper legislative Chamber, Senator representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District, Abdul Ningi has written to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio demanding for immediate lifting of his suspension.

In a letter he write through his lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, the lawmaker threatened that he will drag the Senate President before the Federal High Court, if the suspension was not lifted within seven days.

The lawmaker’s ordeal started when he granted an interview to BBC Hausa Service alleging the 2024 budget padding to the tune of N3.7 trillion, claiming that the amount was not tied to any project.

The Senate at the plenary on March 12, debated the matter and passed a resolution suspending Ningi for three months following Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, who represents Ondo South Senatorial District, moving for amended prayers that Ningi should be suspended for twelve months with all his entitlements frozen.

The suspension was despite his explanation, claiming that the budget passed by the National Assembly for the 2024 fiscal year was N25 trillion, while the one being executed by the Presidency was N28.7 trillion.

Following the pronouncement of the suspension, Ningi packed his things and walked out of the Red Chambers, waving to his colleagues.
He subsequently stepped down from his position as the Chairman of the Northern Senators’ Forum and was replaced by the All Progressives Congress Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua representing Katsina Central.