The Senate has officially recalled Abdul Ningi, the senator representing Bauchi Central, from suspension. The decision was made following a motion sponsored by Abba Moro, Minority Leader; Olalere Oyewumi, Senator representing Osun South; and Osita Ngwu, Senator representing Enugu West.
Senator Ningi was initially suspended for three months in March after alleging that the 2024 budget had been padded by N3 trillion. During the session, Moro highlighted that Ningi had already spent two months away from the National Assembly and emphasized the importance of his return to legislative duties.
“Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi was asked to address his allegation of budget padding against the National Assembly, following a motion of urgent national importance moved by Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations,” Moro stated.
Moro elaborated that Ningi had failed to substantiate his claims, leading to his suspension for violating legislative rules, misconduct, and unethical behavior, specifically concerning an interview he granted to BBC media regarding the 2024 Appropriation Act, a legislation he was involved in drafting.
“Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi, being under suspension, has spent over two months outside the precincts of the National Assembly Complex and needs to return to continue with his legislative activities as the senator representing Bauchi Central senatorial district,” Moro continued.
In a move to facilitate Ningi’s return, the Senate minority leadership accepted full responsibility for Ningi’s actions and issued an apology on his behalf.
The motion for Ningi’s recall was adopted after Senate President Godswill Akpabio put it to a voice vote, marking the end of Ningi’s suspension and his return to the legislative chamber.