Senator Ningi Clarifies Budget Padding Claim: No Two Budgets, Investigation Ongoing

Senator Abdul Ningi has clarified his recent statements regarding the 2024 budget, stating that he was quoted out of context and did not claim a N3 trillion budget padding.

In an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, the chairman of the Northern Senators Forum (NSF) explained that he was speaking on various issues, including the state of the nation, the North, and the budget.

According to Ningi, the interview was conducted in Hausa, and the English version that circulated online was a misrepresentation of his statements.

He emphasized that the Senate only passed one budget, not two, as was suggested in the English version.

The Senator also pointed out that the National Assembly does not have the power of appropriation and that President Bola Tinubu’s budget proposal was not the final version.

The investigation into the budget is ongoing, with Senators looking to locate the N3.7 trillion projects that are not yet accounted for.

Ningi mentioned that the findings would be shared with the Senate President and President Tinubu.

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, representing Ondo South Senatorial District, called for Ningi to be charged with criminal misinformation for his statements.

He argued that Ningi’s claims could harm the careers of Senators and the reputation of the country.

If the Senate President does not take action, Ibrahim said he would personally write to the Inspector General of Police to investigate the matter and charge Ningi accordingly.

Senator Ningi has clarified his statements on the 2024 budget, stating that he was misquoted and did not claim a N3 trillion budget padding.

The ongoing investigation aims to locate the N3.7 trillion projects that are currently unaccounted for.

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim has called for Ningi to be charged with criminal misinformation for his statements, emphasizing the potential harm to Senators’ careers and the country’s reputation.