Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, has returned to the Nigerian Senate after a three-month suspension due to accusations of budget padding involving N3.7 trillion.
Ningi, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), resumed his legislative duties on Tuesday, arriving at the National Assembly grounds in Abuja in his black Toyota Landcruiser Jeep.
Ningi’s suspension, which began in March, followed allegations that he had padded the 2024 budget. The Senate took this action after a turbulent session, with a majority of lawmakers supporting the suspension led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who described Ningi’s offenses as “grievous.”
Upon his return, Ningi paused at the NASS gate to greet reporters, expressing gratitude for their messages of support during his absence. When asked about his leave, the senator responded with enthusiasm, indicating he had enjoyed the break.
The senator was called back to the Senate on May 28, following a motion initiated by Senator Abba Moro, the Deputy Minority Leader, who apologized on Ningi’s behalf and promised to take full responsibility for his actions. Moro’s motion highlighted the seriousness of Ningi’s suspension and emphasized the importance of reconciliation within the legislative body.
In a brief appeal by several senators, Senate President Akpabio declared Ningi’s unconditional recall, praising his resourcefulness and describing him as a valued member of the Senate. Akpabio emphasized that the decision to recall Ningi transcended religious and ethnic boundaries, underscoring the senator’s importance to the legislative process.
Ningi’s return occurred about two weeks before his suspension was set to end on June 12, 2024. His suspension had been a significant point of contention within the Senate, especially after Ningi’s statements regarding the 2024 budget. In an interview, Ningi claimed that there were two versions of the budget in operation: a N28.7 trillion budget signed by President Bola Tinubu and a separate budget of N3.7 trillion that was allegedly unrelated to any projects. He argued that the larger budget was biased against the North, a statement that drew significant criticism from both the government and fellow senators, who deemed his claims “far-fetched and unbecoming of a leader of his status.”
Despite the controversy, Ningi has refuted the accusations of operating two budgets, maintaining that his statements were misinterpreted and that the alleged N3.7 trillion did not correspond to any specific projects.
As Ningi resumes his legislative duties, the Senate and the public will be watching closely to see how the allegations and his return will impact his role and contributions within the Nigerian legislative framework.
