Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, has tendered his resignation as the chairman of the Northern Senators Forum.
The senator resigned hours after a three-month suspension was issued to him on Tuesday, by the Senate following allegations he made regarding the unaccounted allocation of about N3.7 trillion in the budget for project implementation.
Africa Health Report reported that Ningi’s suspension followed his claims of budget padding. The Senate, however, refuted these allegations, asserting that there is no evidence to support Ningi’s claims.
In his resignation letter which was dated March 11 but released shortly after his suspension, Senator Ningi stated,
“I would like to resign my position as the Chairman of the Northern Senators forum. This is of course necessitated by unfolding events in the National Assembly, the North and the Nation at large.”
The letter addressed to the Secretary, Northern Senators Forum, titled, “resignation,” Ningi attributed his decision to “the unfolding events”.
The letter read further: “I would like to specially thank members of the forum for the opportunity given to me for the last eight (8) months to spearhead this very important forum. I believe this forum is very important and fundamental to the progress and development of Northern Nigeria.”
How He Was Suspended
The Senate suspended Ningi after Senator Adeola Solomon (Ogun West) moved a motion for the senators to debate the budget padding allegation.
Adeola had said the allegation breached his privilege as a senator who was part of those that passed the appropriation on the floor of the senate.
His motion was seconded by Senator Neda Imaseun (Edo South).
After a long debate by Senators on the matter. Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (APC Ondo South), said Ningi should be suspended for 9 months.
Contributing, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South), pleaded that the period be reduced to 6 months.
However, Senator Sani Musa (APC Niger) suggested that Ningi should be suspended for 3 months and should be also made to write an apology letter to the Senate.
After all contributions, Akpabio said, “Senator Ningi is hereby suspended for 3 months and disconnected from all activities of the Senate for the three months.”
This was after a voice vote from the Senators.
Before Ningi’s suspension, angry senators were engaged in a debate on the allegation which threw the Red Chamber into a rowdy session.
