- By Kamil Opeyemi
Suspended senator, Abdul Ningi has returned to the Upper chamber of the national assembly on Tuesday, 75 days after his suspension.
Ningi was suspended over allegations that he accused the Senate and the Presidency of padding the 2024 Budget.
The senator in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, had alleged that a sum of N3.7trn was inserted into the 2024 budget without the approval of the senate. His inability to defend the allegation led to his suspension on March 12 this year. While speaking on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday, Ningi told other senators that it was time to move on.
“It’s time to move on,” he said, just as the Senate President welcomed him on behalf of other senators, saying, “Bygones should be bygones.”
Citing Order 42 of the Senate Standing Rules, Ningi thanked his colleagues for the gesture, stating that he was away in Turkey when he learnt of his recall from suspension.
He said, “Mr President, distinguished colleagues, I rise with profound humility to commend the Senate, its President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, the Senate leadership and the minority caucus for recalling me from suspension.
“I was in Turkey when the news got to me last week and I’m very much appreciative of the gesture. I’m happy to be back at home because the National Assembly is like home to me, having served as House Leader and Deputy Senate Leader in the past and now, as one of the distinguished serving senators.
“I also thank my state governor, Bala Mohammed, the people of Bauchi State and other Nigerians who reached out to me in one way or another during the period that has now been put behind.”
While responding, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio said, “Distinguished Senator Abdul Ningi, you are a very resourceful person needed in the 10th Senate. The electorate from the Bauchi Central Senatorial District voted for you. You are welcome and let bygones be bygones.”