Budget Padding: Akpabio Reacts After Ningi Threatened To Take Action If He Fails To Recall Him

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has clarified that he bears no responsibility for the suspension of Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP – Bauchi Central).

Akpabio also confirmed that he has not received any correspondence from Senator Ningi requesting his immediate reinstatement.

Senator Ningi was suspended following his interview with BBC Hausa, during which he alleged that the budget for the 2024 fiscal year was padded to the tune of N3.7 trillion.

Following a heated debate among Senators during plenary, Ningi was suspended for three months and instructed to tender a letter of apology to the Senate.

However, in a letter penned by his legal representative, Femi Falana (SAN), on Wednesday, Ningi accused Akpabio of assuming multiple roles, including accuser, prosecutor, and judge, in his own case, contravening provisions of the 1999 Constitution.

Consequently, the Bauchi federal lawmaker issued a seven-day ultimatum to Akpabio, demanding his reinstatement or facing legal action.

Responding to the ultimatum, Akpabio’s Special Adviser on Media, Eseme Eyiboh, clarified that the Senate, as an institution, suspended Ningi, not the Senate President.

In an interview with Daily Trust, Eyiboh asserted that Senator Ningi cannot threaten his principal for reinstatement since Akpabio was not responsible for his suspension.

Eyiboh emphasized, “I am neither aware nor in receipt of any letter on the subject of your inquiry.

“However, it is important to note that, the Senate is an institution created by law and not by man. Distinguished Senator Ningi was suspended by the Senate through the enforcement of its extant rules and not by any individual. To associate any individual’s name with Senator Ningi’s travail is delusional and a red herring.”