Suspended Senator Ningi Steps Down, Highlights Reason

Suspended Senator Ningi Steps Down, Highlights Reason

Senator Abdul Ningi from Bauchi Central has stepped down as the chairman of the Northern Senators Forum after being suspended on Tuesday.

His suspension came about due to his claims of mismanagement of about N3.7 trillion in the budget designated for project execution. The Senate, in response to these accusations, decided to suspend Ningi from his duties for a period of three months.

The Senate’s resolution was motivated by the need to investigate Ningi’s assertions of budget padding in the 2024 budget, valued at N28.7 trillion.

Despite Ningi’s concerns, the Senate found no concrete evidence supporting the allegations of budget inflation.

Ningi’s resignation letter, despite being dated March 11, was made public shortly after his suspension was announced by the Senate.

It reads: “I would like to resign my position as the Chairman of the Northern Senators forum. This is of course necessitated by unfolding events in the National Assembly, the North and the Nation at large.   

“I would like to specially thank members of the forum for the opportunity given to me for the last eight (8) months to spearhead this very important forum. I believe this forum is very important and fundamental to the progress and development of Northern Nigeria,” Ningi added.

Recall that it was earlier reported that the Senate has made decision to suspend Ningi, a former Senate Deputy Leader, and Chair of the Northern Senators Forum, for three months.

During this period, Ningi is prohibited from participating in the Senate’s activities.

However, the Senate specified that if Ningi issues an apology during his suspension, he may be reinstated to resume his legislative duties.

Furthermore, various Senate members proposed differing durations for Ningi’s suspension.

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim recommended twelve months, while Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong suggested reducing it to six months.

These proposals highlight the deliberation and differing opinions within the Senate regarding the appropriate course of action regarding Ningi’s suspension.