On Tuesday, May 28, the Nigerian Senate lifted Senator Abdul Ningi’s three-month suspension from representing Bauchi Central on the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) platform.
Ningi was suspended on March 12 after saying in a BBC Hausa Service interview that the National Assembly passed two 2024 Appropriation Bills and that the 2024 budget was inflated by N3.7 trillion.
In response to his suspension, Ningi’s counsel, Femi Falana SAN, wrote to the Senate president, giving a seven-day ultimatum to recall him or face legal action. Senator Akpabio clarified that Ningi’s suspension was not his unilateral decision but a collective action of the Senate.
The lifting of the suspension occurred following the consideration and adoption of a motion titled: “Motion for the unconditional recall of Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi,” sponsored by the Minority Leader, Abba Moro (PDP – Benue South).
In his lead debate, Moro stated: “Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi was suspended for three months for violating legislative rules, misconduct, and unethical behavior due to an interview he granted to the BBC Hausa Service on the 2024 Appropriation Act.”
Moro, taking responsibility on behalf of the Senate Minority Leadership, apologized to the Senate and urged reconsideration of Ningi’s recall as the senator representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District.
Senators approved the motion through a voice vote presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary.