The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) and more than 75 associated civil society groups, part of the National Civil Society Organisations Against Inept Leaders, are standing firm on their demand for a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the alleged budget padding by Senator Abdul Ningi in 2024.
Despite the Senator’s suspension for three months, they are adamant that their 14-day ultimatum remains in place.
The statement, signed by both the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of CNPP, Comrade James Ezema, and the National Secretary of the coalition of CSOs, Alhaji Ali Abacha, highlighted that the Senate session on Tuesday seemed predetermined to reach a pre-planned conclusion.
During the budget padding debate, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe revealed that some experienced Senators received up to N500 million from the 2024 budget, raising another scandal.
He emphasized that all Senators bear responsibility, stating that even though he is a ranking Senator, he did not receive any such amount.
Jarigbe stressed that no Senator should point fingers at Senator Ningi based on this information.
Despite Senator Jeriagbe’s microphone being cut off abruptly and causing chaos on the Senate floor, his disclosure indicates that there is more going on in the Senate than the public is aware of. His revelation hints at possible corruption within the Senate under the current leadership.
Hence, we firmly believe that the budget padding accusation and Senator Jeriagbe’s disclosure should be thoroughly investigated by an independent body in order for the Senate to transparently address the issue.
The presence of the Senate President as the Chair of an investigative committee discussing allegations against him is not appropriate.
Nigerians observed Senators buzzing around the senate chamber with excitement as the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, stood to announce some new rules giving him the power to silence any senator speaking during a session as he pleased.
The CNPP and CSOs coalition have stated firmly that the Senate can only address the budget padding allegation by conducting an independent investigation.
They emphasize the importance of Senator Jeriagbe’s disclosure and their 14-day ultimatum for the Senate to allow an independent probe to take place.
