By Ahmed Ahmed
A group Amalgamation of Bauchi State Concerned Groups has urged the Senate to immediately withdraw the illegal and undemocratic suspension of Senator Abdul Ningi and tender an apology.
Our Correspondent reports the senate leadership at the plenary held on 12 March 2024 announced the suspension of Senator Abdul Ningi for three months.
This followed a motion moved by Sen. Solomon Adeola representing Ogun West, who alleged that his privilege as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has been breached by the assertion of Senator Abdul Ningi concerning the 2024 budget.
The Chairman of the group, Mr Umar Maigamo made the call at a press briefing on Tuesday in Bauchi, saying there was no fair hearing for Ningi
He noted that instead of giving Sen.Ningi a fair hearing or in the order for forensic analysis of the entire budget, the Senate went ahead to execute its premeditated action.
The Senate should immediately withdraw the illegal and undemocratic suspension of Senator Ningi and tender an unreserved apology to the senator and to the good people of Bauchi Central Senatorial District whom he ably represents.
The Senate President should immediately step aside and allow an investigation of the allegations in line with the rules of the Senate.
“Order for an investigation into the allegation of 500 million naira given to some selected ranking senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said
The group calls for the review of the 2024 budget and for all anomalies to be corrected with immediate effect.
According to him,” We would like to make it categorically clear that should the Senate insist on denying Senator Ningi a fair hearing,
“We the good people of Bauchi State, particularly constituents from the Bauchi Central Senatorial District, will follow all lawful and democratic means to seek redress.
“It is imperative that our democracy must thrive on the principle of justice, fairness and accountability. We must uphold such values and hold our elected officials accountable for their actions and inactions,” Maigamo said.
It would be recalled that Senator Abdul Ningi granted an interview to the BBC Hausa Service where he raised issues regarding the 2024 budget.
The senator alleged that there were some anomalies in the budget where he specifically stated that the sum of N3.7 trillion could not be traced to any projects or location in the 2024 budget.