Budget Padding: Sen. Ningi’s Suspension, Hasty- Groups

Published

2 years ago

March 13, 2024

thecloudngr

Budget Padding: Sen. Ningi’s Suspension, Hasty- Groups—-The Joint Action for Good Governance (JAGG) and the Centre for Human and Socio-economic Rights (CHSR) have faulted Senate’s suspension of Sen. Abdul Ningi over his allegation that the 2024 budget was padded

The two groups told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos that the National Assembly should have thoroughly investigated the allegation before taking the action.

The National Vice President of JAGG, Mr Abdulwaheed Odunuga told NAN that that since every Nigerian had freedom of expression, the Senate should have looked deeply into Ningi’s claim rather than “hastily suspending him.”

“To us, it is wrong for the Senate to suspend Ningi so hastily due to his claim that 2024 budget was padded. The hasty action of the Senate smacks of suspicion.

“We know the issue of budget padding has always been there. We are convinced budgets are padded at times.

“We have situations whereby allocations are made for a project without knowing specifically what the projects are and where such projects are executed.

“I totally disagree with the suspension, the Senate should have thoroughly looked at those allegations made and not be hasty in action,” Odunuga said.

According to him, the suspension would deny the lawmaker of the opportunity of representing his constituency.

He said: “the Senate should look at those areas mentioned by Ningi critically in the interest of the nation,’’ he said.

Also speaking, Mr Alex Omotehinse, the National President of CHSR, said the “hasty suspension” of Ningi on mere allegations was wrong, saying they ought to have thoroughly investigated the claim.

Omotehinse said: “It is wrong for people to elect their representatives and the parliament will suspend such representative because of a particular rule or procedure.

“So, that constituency (Senatorial District) will have no representation for the period of suspension? It is undemocratic.

“The House can use other means for sanction but not suspension,” he said.

Omotehinse said that the senate should have rather deny Ningi of other rights and privileges, but not suspend him.

“For instance, if such a member is a principal officer, the position could be withdrawn, but not to suspend the person for a whole period of three months.

“You can’t take the people’s mandate from him. The representative duty cannot be taken away from any members duly elected by the people,” he said.

NAN recalls that the Senate on Tuesday suspended Sen. Abdul Ningi (PDP-Bauchi) for three months from all activities of the Senate over his allegation that the 2024 budget was padded.

The Upper Chamber’s resolution was sequel to a motion by Sen. Solomon Adeola (APC-Ogun) during Tuesday’s plenary entitled: “Urgent Need to Address the False Allegations against the Senate and the Presidency on the 2024 Appropriation Act by Sen. Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central).”

An international media outfit had quoted Ningi as saying that President Bola Tinubu was operating two different budgets for 2024.

thecloudngr

0Shares

Related Topics:Budget Padding Hasty- Groups Sen. Ningi’s Suspension

Up Next

2 Men Jailed 18 Months For Stealing Pipes, Electric Cables

Don't Miss

#BARNAP: Watch Free Livestream Match Between Barcelona Vs Napoli Here

Click to comment

Sports

Lagos 2027: Governor Sanwo-Olu Endorses Obafemi Hamzat as APC Aspirant

Published

4 weeks ago

April 28, 2026

thecloudngr

Lagos 2027: Governor Sanwo-Olu Endorses Obafemi Hamzat as APC Aspirant—-Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has thrown his weight behind his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred successor for the 2027 governorship election—an early move that is already stirring quiet conversations within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The endorsement did not come in the open. Instead, it followed a closed-door meeting at Lagos House, Marina, where Hamzat reportedly informed key stakeholders of his intention to run. Present at the gathering were members of the State Executive Council, party leaders, and influential figures within the Governor’s Advisory Council.

Among those in attendance were former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, and former senator Ganiyu Solomon—names that signal the weight of the political bloc involved in the discussions.

Speaking afterwards, Sanwo-Olu described the decision as “unanimous,” framing it as a consensus among party stakeholders. But the speed and timing of the endorsement—well ahead of party primaries—have raised eyebrows about how firmly the succession plan may already be taking shape behind the scenes.

“We just received Mr Deputy… to inform us of his intention,” the governor said, adding that those present agreed he is “fit and well-prepared” for the role.

Sanwo-Olu leaned heavily on Hamzat’s track record and their long-standing working relationship, portraying him as a loyal and capable hand ready to take over. He went further, suggesting that Hamzat has effectively been groomed for the position from the outset.

“This is a deputy governor that is worth a governor from day one,” he said.

In a remark that may further fuel speculation, the governor also referenced President Bola Tinubu’s enduring influence in Lagos politics, hinting that the current development could be part of a longer-term political vision.

Observers note that describing the gathering as a “family meeting” may reflect the tightly knit nature of decision-making within the state’s political structure—where major alignments are often settled before they reach the public stage.

While Hamzat has long been regarded as a key player in Lagos politics, the early endorsement positions him more clearly at the centre of succession discussions, even before a formal campaign has begun.

With more than a year to go before party primaries, the move is already reshaping conversations within the APC, where control of Lagos—Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre—remains one of the most strategic political prizes.

Whether this early alignment holds or faces internal pushback in the months ahead is a question many party watchers are now quietly asking

thecloudngr

0Shares

News

2027 Elections: Atiku Abubakar Backs Consensus Candidate for African Democratic Congress, Keeps Primaries as Option

Published

1 month ago

April 16, 2026

thecloudngr

2027 Elections: Atiku Abubakar Backs Consensus Candidate for African Democratic Congress, Keeps Primaries as Option—-Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar says the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will prioritise a consensus approach in selecting its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, but may conduct primaries if internal talks fail.

Speaking on a prime-time programme on Arise TV, Atiku explained that party leaders are working to avoid internal disputes by rallying around a single candidate through dialogue and agreement.

He expressed confidence that stakeholders would reach a common ground, noting that experienced politicians within the party understand the importance of unity.

According to him, the ADC is focused on strengthening Nigeria’s democracy, with members committed to managing differences without causing division.

Atiku also reiterated his willingness to support whoever emerges as the party’s flagbearer, regardless of the selection method.

He further stated that he is open to stepping aside for any aspirant, including Peter Obi, if they emerge as the preferred choice, emphasizing that unity within the party remains the top priority ahead of the 2027 elections.

thecloudngr