According to sources, the three-month suspension imposed on Senator Abdul Ningi over allegations of N3.7 trillion budget padding may be reviewed.
The Senate, under the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, had suspended the Bauchi lawmaker amidst the controversy.
The suspension was initiated by Jimoh Ibrahim, a member of the Appropriation Committee, who accused Ningi of criminal misinformation and breach of peace in the National Assembly and the country as a whole.
However, sources close to the Senate leadership have indicated that the allegations of budget padding were an attempt to tarnish the image of the National Assembly and divert attention.
One source revealed that the issue leading to Ningi’s suspension is being resolved amicably and that the suspended senator may be reinstated if he tenders a public apology to the Senate.
The source further emphasized that there is no tension within the Senate and that the allegation of budget padding is merely a ploy to undermine the Senate’s efforts under Godswill Akpabio’s leadership. The source also clarified that the mentioned N3.7 trillion represents the budget of government-owned enterprises (GOEs) and that these entities are expected to defend their budget before the Senate.
The source questioned the basis of the budget padding allegation, as the budget was prepared by the executive. The House of Representatives, not the Senate, plays a more significant role in scrutinizing the budget.
Additionally, the source mentioned the allocation for zonal intervention projects (ZIPs) for members of the National Assembly.
These funds are not released directly to lawmakers but are allocated for projects in their constituencies.
There has been pressure on the Senate to reconsider its decision, as it has been deemed unfair by some quarters.
The resolution of this matter will determine whether Senator Abdul Ningi’s suspension will be lifted or extended.
Article updated 2 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
