Suspended Senator Ningi Threatens Court Action, Demands Recall over Budget Padding Allegations.

Abdul Ahmed Ningi, the suspended Senator representing Bauchi Central, has sent a letter to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Senate leadership, demanding the lifting of his suspension. Ningi, through his lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), warned that if his suspension is not lifted within seven days, he will take the matter to the Federal High Court.

On March 12, 2024, the Senate suspended Ningi for three months based on allegations that the 2024 budget was padded to the tune of N3.7 trillion. In an interview with BBC Hausa Service, Ningi claimed that while the National Assembly approved a budget of N25 trillion for the 2024 fiscal year, the presidency was executing a budget of N28.7 trillion.

During the plenary on March 12, the Senate took action against Ningi, concluding that his allegations were unfounded and had damaged the image of the Red Chamber. As a result, he was handed a three-month suspension. Following the announcement of his suspension, Ningi left the Senate chamber, waving goodbye to his colleagues. He subsequently stepped down as the Chairman of the Northern Senators' Forum, and Abdulaziz Yar'Adua, an All Progressives Congress Senator representing Katsina Central, took his place.

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However, two weeks after his suspension, Ningi, through his lawyer Falana, contested the process of his suspension in a letter to the Senate President, which was received on Wednesday. In the letter, Falana stated that Ningi had expressed his views on the federal government's budget in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, exercising his fundamental right to freedom of speech as guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the African Charter on Human and People's Rights.

Falana argued that, in the proceedings against Ningi, the Senate President had acted as the accuser, prosecutor, and judge, violating the provisions of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, 2018, and the 1999 Constitution. He further noted that the suspension violated Ningi's right to a fair hearing and the right of the people of Bauchi Central Senatorial District to representation in the Senate for three months, contravening the Constitution and the African Charter on Human and People's Rights Act.

Falana also highlighted that the Federal High Court had previously invalidated the suspension of certain members of the Senate and the House of Representatives who had accused the leadership of budget padding, corruption, or abuse of office.

Ningi's threat of legal action and his demand for his suspension to be lifted brings the issue of budget padding allegations and the manner in which they are handled within the Senate into the spotlight. The outcome of this case will be closely watched as it may have implications for future disciplinary actions against senators who make similar allegations.

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Otu Oka-iwu Abuja Exco Pays Courtesy Visit to Senator (Prince) Chinedu Munir (Ned) Nwoko on Continued Pursuit for Regional Development and Welfare of Members: Advocating for Additional State Creation in the South East.

On Friday, September 13, 2024, Otu Oka-iwu Abuja Executive Committee, led by Chief Chidi Udekwe, made a significant courtesy visit to Senator (Prince) Chinedu Munir (Ned) Nwoko, the Distinguished Senator, representing Delta North Senatorial Zone. The meeting took place at the Senator’s impressive residence in Maitama, Abuja, and served as a platform for discussing key issues pertinent to the welfare of Otu Oka-iwu members and regional initiatives, including the critical advocacy for the creation of additional states in the South East. Executive members of Otu Oka-iwu Abuja. Key Discussions: 1. Welfare of Otu Oka-iwu Members 2. Admission into Senator Nwoko's Sports University 3. State Creation Advocacy 4. Senatorial Support for Otu Oka-iwu Programs The meeting highlighted several vital topics, notably: 1. Welfare of Otu Oka-iwu Members: There was an open dialogue regarding the overall welfare of the association’s members

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Fidelis Oditah, QC, SAN, Denies Benefiting from $1.3 Billion Malabu Oil Deal

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Otu Oka-iwu Abuja Exco Pays Courtesy Visit to Senator (Prince) Chinedu Munir (Ned) Nwoko on Continued Pursuit for Regional Development and Welfare of Members: Advocating for Additional State Creation in the South East.

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