After two months, Senate lifts suspension of Senator Ningi

By Innocent Raphael

The Nigerian Senate has lifted the three-month suspension of Senator Abdul Ningi, who represents Bauchi Central under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The Senate rescinded the suspension on Tuesday, after considering a motion titled “Motion for the Unconditional Recall of Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi,” sponsored by Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP – Benue South).

In his argument, Moro acknowledged that Ningi was suspended for violating legislative rules and misconduct related to his interview on the 2024 Appropriation Act.

Apologizing on behalf of the Senate Minority leadership, Moro urged the Senate to reconsider Ningi’s recall.

Ningi had been suspended on March 12 after claiming in a BBC Hausa Service interview that the National Assembly passed two 2024 Appropriation Bills and that the 2024 budget was inflated by N3.7 trillion.

Following his suspension, Ningi’s lawyer, Femi Falana SAN, issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Senate President, demanding Ningi’s reinstatement or threatening legal action.

In the heat of the issue, Senate President Godswill Akpabio clarified that the suspension was a collective decision of the Senate, not his alone.