Akpabio leads Senators to Aso Rock after Ningi’s suspension

President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, met in a closed-door meeting with Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the leadership of the Senate at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The meeting came hours after the senate suspended Senator Abdul Ningi for three months following his criticism of the implementation of the 2024 budget.

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, and other top members of the Senate attended the meeting.

Ningi who represents Bauchi Central chairs the Northern Senators’ Forum and Senate Committee on Population, tendered his resignation after his suspension.

In the letter addressed to the Secretary, Northern Senators Forum, titled, “resignation,” Ningi attributed his decision to “the unfolding events”.

The letter read, “I would like to resign my position as the Chairman of the Northern Senators forum. This is of course, necessitated by unfolding events in the National Assembly, the North and the nation at large.

“I would like to specially thank members of the forum for the opportunity given to me for the last eight (8) months to spearhead this very important forum. I believe this forum is very important and fundamental to the progress and development of Northern Nigeria.”

The Senate suspended Ningi after Senator Adeola Solomon (Ogun West) moved a motion for the senators to debate the budget padding allegation.

Adeola had said the allegation breached his privilege as a senator who was part of those that passed the appropriation on the floor of the senate.

His motion was seconded by Senator Neda Imaseun (Edo South).

Contributing, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South), pleaded that the period be reduced to 6 months.

However, Senator Sani Musa (APC Niger) suggested that Ningi should be suspended for 3 months and should be also made to write an apology letter to the Senate.

After all contributions, Akpabio said, “Senator Ningi is hereby suspended for 3 months and disconnected from all activities of the Senate for the three months.”

This was after a voice vote from the Senators.

Ningi had denied some of the claims in the interview during a briefing on Monday, saying he was quoted out of context.

Before Ningi’s suspension, angry senators were engaged in a debate on the allegation which threw the Red Chamber into a rowdy session.