The Senate has recalled Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) from a nearly three months suspension following a controversial interview he granted to the Hausa service of the BBC over 2024 budget.
He alleged that the budget was padded to the tune of N3.7 trillion.
The Senate had rejected the allegations, saying the amount was meant for statutory transfers to federal government institutions on first-line charge.
Ningi had through his counsel, Femi Falana (SAN) wrote to the Senate president and gave him seven days ultimatum to recall him or face legal action.
His suspension followed a motion of urgent national importance moved by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola. Senator Ningi was suspended for violating legislative rules, misconduct and unethical behavior.
But Senator Abba Moro (Benue South), in a motion titled, “Unconditional recall of Senator Abdul Ningi” urged the Senate to recall Senator Ningi who was suspended for three months on the 12th of March over his unsubstantiated allegation of padding of the 2024 budget to the tune of N3.7trn in an interview he granted the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Hausa Service on March 9, 2024.
Senator Moro’s motion had only one prayer, which was for the senate to reconsider the additional resolution of its Votes and Proceedings of Wednesday, 13th March, 2024 and recall Senator Abdul Ningi for him to carry out his legislative activities. The motion stated that the Senate Minority Leadership accepted full responsibility for the actions of their colleague, Senator Ningi and apologized on his behalf.
Akpabio in his reaction to the ultimatum said the suspension of Ningi was not a unilateral action by him but the collective decision of the Senate.
The prayer was unanimously approved and Senator Ningi recalled.
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