The Senate has made a significant decision regarding the suspension of Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi, extending a pardon and recalling him after his suspension on March 12, 2024.
The recall process commenced following a motion presented by Deputy Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro, who expressed remorse on behalf of the suspended senator.
Moro pledged to take full responsibility for Ningi’s actions, acknowledging the seriousness of the suspension.
Ningi’s conduct during the period of his suspension had been under scrutiny and discussion within the legislative body.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced the unconditional recall of Ningi after a brief plea by some lawmakers.
Akpabio underscored Ningi’s contributions and described him as a valuable member of the Senate, emphasizing that the decision to recall Ningi transcends religious and ethnic boundaries.
Ningi’s recall comes approximately two weeks before the conclusion of his three-month suspension, scheduled to end on June 12, 2024.
Background:
Ningi, representing the Bauchi Central Senatorial District under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), faced suspension over allegations of N3.7 trillion budget padding for the year 2024.
His suspension, lasting three months, was the outcome of a contentious session in the red chamber led by Akpabio, who characterized Ningi’s actions as “serious offenses.”
Ningi’s Allegations:
In an earlier interview, Ningi asserted that the Federal Government was managing two versions of the 2024 budget and criticized the N28.7 trillion budget, signed into law by President Bola Tinubu, for its perceived bias against the North.
His remarks triggered swift reactions from many senators and the Presidency, denouncing his claims as unfounded and inappropriate for a leader of his stature.
Ningi later clarified that he did not suggest the existence of two budgets but maintained that only N25 trillion of the budget was allocated to projects, while N3.7 trillion lacked project allocations.
The Senate’s decision to pardon and recall Ningi marks a notable development in the ongoing legislative proceedings and signals a willingness to address contentious issues within its ranks.