Moro admits Senate credibility in doubt, Ningi says Chamber plotting to silence or arrest him
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
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“Given the current hardships facing our nation, a padded budget is already translating to a padded hunger, padded poverty, padded insecurity, padded energy crises, padded forex instability, and the soaring cost of living” – Atiku
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Suspended Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) has alleged attempts by the Senate to silence or arrest him over his allegation that N3.7 trillion in the 2024 budget is not traceable, which Atiku Abubakar has asked to be investigated
The Senate on Tuesday suspended Ningi for three months for claiming that projects worth N3.7 trillion in the 2024 Appropriation Bill passed by the National Assembly (NASS) and signed into law by President Bola Tinubu cannot be traced.
He later disclosed on Arise Television that theUpper Chamber seeks to arrest him for talking too much, in an affair over which fellow Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South) says the Senate is facing a credibility crisis.
“Nobody has talked to me about evidence. Nobody has suggested even listening to me. All they are trying to do is to ensure that ‘how do we make sure that Ningi is silenced or arrested so that he doesn’t do anything?’ Ningi said.
Allegation creates credibility problem for Senate, says Moro
Moro told Channels Television the actions of Ningi have subjected the Senate to an integrity test.
Said he: “The budget in question was passed by the Senators. Senator Ningi is a Senator; he was a member of the Appropriation Committee. I am from the North, and he purported to speak for the North.
“Why I was angry is that Senator Kawu Sumaila, who is the spokesperson of the Northern Senators Forum, came before me and said that he was going to address the press on this same matter while the debate was going on.
“I said, ‘You don’t do that. You raised issues; we are tackling the issues, and here you are. You want to address the press; go ahead and address the press.’
“That was why I raised my hands because, as a Minority Leader, Senator Kawu Sumaila is a member of the NNPP; he is within me and signed for me to be a Minority Leader.
“So why would he not accept my advice? As people have commented now, the Senate is already having some level of credibility problems. Why would an individual arrogate to himself the power to know it all and say it all? ….
“I think the Senate did the appropriate thing [by suspending Ningi]; I was there. Budget padding may not be mentioned here now in the 10th Senate because previous budgets have been criticised based on budget padding.
“But this is the first time a participant Senator who was honestly engaged in the whole process is coming out to say that what I did was wrong and rubbing it on all of us. I think it is not correct.”
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Related articles:
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Sani says Senators afraid of public or suspension over N3.7tr budget scam
Betta Edu did not act alone, cartel behind funds mismanagement, Ndume tells Tinubu
EduGate digs up N900m MDAs paid into private accounts in 3 months
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Atiku demands investigation
Atiku, PDP presidential candidate in 2023, demanded a thorough investigation into the allegation of budget inflation.
“Over the past few days, allegations have rocked the Senate, questioning the very integrity of the 2024 Appropriation Act, the cornerstone of our nation’s annual planning and development,” he posted on his X (Twitter) handle.
“A fiscal policy analytics and advocacy organization has unequivocally confirmed a disturbing lack of transparency within the 2024 Appropriation Act.
“Furthermore, the sudden suspension of the whistle-blower Senator, without adequate explanation, has only fueled the crisis, leaving us with more questions than answers.
“I demand an immediate and thorough investigation into these allegations. Appropriation lies at the heart of governance, and any deviation from serving the people’s interests will be met with fierce opposition.
“Denials are unacceptable, and the suspension of one senator cannot silence accusations of corruption and illegal fiscal spending by the federal government.
“Without a clear explanation to the people of Nigeria, we must treat these allegations for what they are: outright fraud.
“The accusation of budget padding totaling N3 trillion cannot be dismissed lightly by the government.
“Given the current hardships facing our nation, a padded budget is already translating to a padded hunger, padded poverty, padded insecurity, padded energy crises, padded forex instability, and the soaring cost of living.
“The people of Nigeria cannot afford to ignore allegations that worsen our already dire economic situation.”
