Alleged Budget Padding: Senator Ningi Resumes Plenary After Suspension

Ningi had, in an interview, claimed that the Federal Government was operating two versions of the 2024 budget.

 
Senator Abdul Ningi has resumed duties as a federal lawmaker representing Bauchi Central.
 
He resumed his legislative duties in the upper chamber after a three-month suspension.
 
Recall that the lawmaker was suspended in March 2023 over his allegation of budget padding.
 
Ningi had, in an interview, claimed that the Federal Government was operating two versions of the 2024 budget.
 
The lawmaker also claimed that the N28.7trn Budget passed by the National Assembly and signed into law by President Bola Tinubu was skewed against the North.
 
The allegations landed him a three-month suspension from participating in plenary.
 
He was, however, recalled on May 28 after the Deputy Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro initiated the process, expressing regret on his behalf.
 
On Tuesday, Ningi, a People’s Democratic Party, PDP senator, was sighted at the National Assembly premises in Abuja while driving his black Toyota Landcruiser Jeep.
 
Approaching the NASS gate, he stopped briefly to exchange pleasantries with journalists on the ground to welcome him back.
 
“Press members, thank you very much,” the excited lawmaker told them. “I got all your messages.”
 
When asked if he enjoyed his leave, the senator replied, “Very much.”