Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District, made his return to the National Assembly on Tuesday, following a 75-day suspension. His suspension, which began on March 12, 2024, was the result of a contentious interview in which he alleged inconsistencies in the 2024 budget. Ningi claimed that while the National Assembly had approved N25 trillion, the President signed a budget of N28.7 trillion.
In his interview with the BBC Hausa Service, Ningi stated that N3.7 trillion in the 2024 budget could not be traced to any specific project or location. However, he struggled to substantiate these claims on the Senate floor, which led to his three-month suspension.
During his suspension, Ningi lost his position as the Chairman of the Committee on National Identity and Population, a role that was subsequently filled by Mustapha Musa (APC, Yobe East). Additionally, he was replaced by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua (APC, Katsina Central) as the Chairman of the Northern Senators’ Forum.
Last Tuesday, Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South) motioned for Ningi’s recall, which was approved by the Senate. Upon his return to the National Assembly Complex, Ningi was accompanied by Senators Suleiman Kawu (NNPP, Kano South) and Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (PDP, Sokoto South), among others.
Addressing his colleagues on the Senate floor, Ningi expressed a desire to move forward. "It's time to move on," he stated. Senate President Godswill Akpabio, welcoming him back, echoed this sentiment, saying, "Bygones should be bygones."
Citing Order 42 of the Senate Standing Rules, Ningi expressed gratitude for his recall. He revealed that he was in Turkey when he learned of his reinstatement. “Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, I rise with profound humility to commend the Senate, its President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, the Senate leadership, and the minority caucus for recalling me from suspension,” Ningi said. “I was in Turkey when the news got to me last week and I’m very much appreciative of the gesture. I’m happy to be back at home because the National Assembly is like home to me, having served as House Leader and Deputy Senate Leader in the past and now, as one of the distinguished serving senators. I also thank my state governor, Bala Mohammed, the people of Bauchi State, and other Nigerians who reached out to me in one way or another during the period that has now been put behind.”
Responding on behalf of the Senate, Akpabio affirmed Ningi's value to the 10th Senate, stating, "Distinguished Senator Abdul Ningi, you are a very resourceful person needed in the 10th Senate. The electorate from the Bauchi Central Senatorial District voted for you. You are welcome and let bygones be bygones."
Although Ningi resumed his duties on Tuesday, the legislative session was adjourned until Wednesday due to an industrial action called by labor unions, which was called off later that day.
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