The Nigerian Senate has slammed a month’s suspension on Abdul Ningi for alleging that the 2024 budget was padded by N3 trillion.
Ningi is the senator representing Bauchi Central and the Chairman of Northern Senators Forum.
The issue came under scrutiny in line with the standing order of the senate during Tuesday’s plenary which lasted more than three hours.
The Senate suspended the lawmaker after a motion on privilege moved by Solomon Adeola, senator representing Ogun West.
At the weekend, Ningi stirred a discourse when he made the allegation and said 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 by N1.2 trillion.
While moving his motion, Adeola argued that his privilege was breached because he was part of the processes that produced the 2024 budget.
“My privilege has been breached because I was one of those who participated in the preparation of the budget. With what has transpired in the last three days, my privilege has been breached,” the senator said.
“One of the senators of this chamber granted an interview to BBC Hausa and issues relating to budget were mentioned.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I have the full transcript – notarised – of the interview and I have here in a flash the voice of Abdul Ningi and I want to lay it before the senate.
“It becomes necessary because of the headlines that have come from these interviews.”
Credit: TheCable
