The Senate has officially recalled Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, from his suspension.
Ningi, who had been suspended on March 12, 2024, for alleging budget padding within the Senate, was reinstated nearly two weeks before the end of his three-month suspension, originally set to conclude on June 12, 2024.
The recall process was initiated on Tuesday following a motion by Deputy Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro.
In his motion, Moro expressed regret on behalf of the suspended senator and assumed full responsibility for Ningi’s actions, acknowledging the seriousness of the suspension.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced Ningi’s unconditional recall after a brief plea by several lawmakers.
Akpabio noted, “Senator Ningi’s reinstatement follows a careful consideration of the situation and the sincere plea presented by his colleagues.
It is essential that we move forward in unity and uphold the integrity of this chamber.”
The suspension had been triggered by Ningi’s comments during an interview with the BBC, where he claimed that projects worth N3.7 trillion were untraceable in the 2024 budget.
These allegations sparked significant public concern and scrutiny of the Senate’s activities.
Reacting to Ningi’s allegations at the time, Akpabio stated, “Nigerians are bashing the Senate.
Many Nigerians will never in future come back to respect this chamber.
The integrity of this chamber has been totally damaged, and we wanted you to repair it with your speech.”
Ningi was subsequently interrogated at a Senate plenary, where he was accused of mischief and subsequently suspended for three months.
With Ningi’s recall, the Senate aims to restore its unity and focus on legislative duties.
