Senate Credibility Questioned Amid Ningi’s Suspension and Budget Padding Allegations

The Senate, under the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, recently faced an integrity test following the suspension of Senator Abdul Ningi over his allegations of budget padding in the 2024 budget.

In an interview with BBC Hausa, Ningi claimed that the Senate had padded the 2024 budget to the tune of N3.7 trillion and that the Federal Government was operating two versions of the budget.

He also alleged that the N28.7 trillion budget passed and signed by President Bola Tinubu was skewed against the North.

The Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, acknowledged that the situation has caused the upper chamber to face credibility problems.

He defended the Senate’s decision to suspend Ningi, stating that the integrity of the Senate had been damaged by Ningi’s claims.

Senator Kawu Sumaila, the spokesperson for the Northern Senators Forum, was also criticized for attempting to address the press while the debate on the matter was still ongoing.

Senator Moro argued that Ningi, as a senator and a member of the Appropriation Committee, should not have made such allegations without consulting with the rest of the Senate.

He emphasized that the Senate did the right thing in suspending Ningi and that the integrity of the Senate must be protected.

The suspension of Senator Ningi has sparked controversy and debate within the political sphere, with many questioning the Senate’s credibility and ability to maintain transparency in its dealings.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Senate will address these concerns and restore public trust in its operations.