The suspension of Senator Abdul Ningi by the Senate has sparked widespread anger, with Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed declaring the state government’s support for the senator during a State Executive Council meeting at Government House, Bauchi. Mohammed criticized the Senate’s decision to suspend Ningi for three months, expressing solidarity with the senator for speaking out.
Former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam suggested that Ningi could challenge his suspension in court, further highlighting the contentious nature of the Senate’s action.
Additionally, Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, criticized Ningi’s suspension, stating that it failed to address crucial issues raised by the senator regarding the alleged padding of the 2024 budget. Obi emphasized the ongoing debate surrounding the alleged N3 trillion padding and the need for transparency in budget allocations, particularly in constituency projects.
Obi underscored the significance of proper resource allocation in critical sectors such as education and health, highlighting the potential positive impact of redirecting padded funds towards essential development areas. He urged the Senate to prioritize effective utilization of public funds to address pressing national challenges and improve socio-economic conditions for Nigerians.
The statements from Governor Mohammed and Peter Obi reflect growing concerns over the Senate’s decision and the broader issue of accountability and responsible governance in Nigeria.