By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called upon Senate President Godswill Akpabio to reinstate Senator Abdul Ningi, who was recently suspended for three months following allegations of budget padding.
Senator Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, faced suspension over remarks made in an interview where he alleged that the National Assembly padded the 2024 budget to the tune of N3.7 trillion.
He stated that while the Assembly approved a budget of N25 trillion, the Federal Government was operating with a budget of N28 trillion.
In response to Ningi’s suspension and subsequent resignation as Chairman of the Northern Senators’ Forum, SERAP issued a statement dated March 16, 2024, urging Senate President Akpabio to recall the suspended senator.
The group reiterated the importance of protecting whistleblowers and ensuring transparency within government institutions.
Kolawole Oluwadare, Deputy Director of SERAP, stressed the necessity of referring the budget padding allegations to anti-graft agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Crimes Commission (ICPC). Doing so, according to SERAP, would uphold the lawmakers’ oath of office and uphold the principles of accountability and integrity.
The statement issued by SERAP highlights the urgency of addressing the allegations and restoring public trust in the Senate. It underscores the importance of accountability and adherence to constitutional principles in governance.
As the call for Senator Ningi’s reinstatement gains momentum, the Senate faces pressure to address the budget padding allegations transparently and responsibly, in line with the nation’s constitutional framework and principles of good governance.
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