Senator Abdul Ningi, who represents Bauchi Central, has tendered his resignation from his position as the chairman of the Northern Senators Forum.
Ningi’s decision comes on the heels of his suspension earlier this week, triggered by his assertions regarding the alleged misappropriation of approximately N3.7 trillion earmarked for project execution in the budget.
The Senate took swift action in response to Ningi’s claims, voting to suspend him from legislative duties for three months. However, the Senate maintained that there was insufficient evidence to support Ningi’s allegations of budget padding in the 2024 fiscal year.
Although Ningi’s resignation letter is dated March 11, it surfaced shortly after his suspension. In the letter, Ningi expressed his reasons for stepping down, citing the unfolding events within the National Assembly and the broader implications for Northern Nigeria’s progress and development.
Ningi acknowledged the importance of the Northern Senators Forum and thanked its members for entrusting him with the chairmanship over the past eight months.
Regarding the suspension, the Senate clarified that if Ningi issues an apology during his three-month suspension, he may be reinstated to resume his legislative duties.
The Senate’s decision to suspend Ningi stemmed from a motion put forward by Senator Olamilekan Adeola, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations. The motion addressed Ningi’s allegations of budget padding in the 2024 Appropriation Act, which purportedly inflated the budget from N25 trillion to N28.7 trillion.
During the deliberations, additional prayers were proposed, suggesting varying durations for Ningi’s suspension, ranging from six to twelve months. Ultimately, the Senate settled on a three-month suspension period.
Upon the conclusion of the vote on the additional prayer, the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, observed Ningi promptly leaving the Senate chamber.