Senator Ningi Resumes After Suspension

Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District, has resumed his legislative duties in the Senate after a three-month suspension. The suspension, which began on March 12, 2024, was lifted by the Senate following a motion by Deputy Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro, expressing regret on behalf of Ningi and taking full responsibility for his previous actions.

Ningi was suspended over his allegation of budget padding in the 2024 budget, where he claimed that the Federal Government was operating two versions of the budget. He also alleged that the budget passed by the National Assembly and signed into law by President Bola Tinubu was skewed against the North. Ningi was recalled on May 28, after the Senate reversed its decision to suspend him.

Upon his return, Ningi expressed his appreciation to the Senate for recalling him from suspension. He had spent 75 out of the 90 days of his suspension. Senator Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President, urged the Senate to let bygone be bygone and allow Ningi to resume his legislative duties.

Ningi was among the first set of Senators to arrive at the National Assembly Complex for plenary on June 4, 2024. He was suspended for accusing the leadership of the Senate of smuggling projects into the 2024 Appropriation Act, an accusation he was not able to defend when given the opportunity to do so by the Senate. The suspension was lifted two weeks before it was due to end, on June 12, 2024.