Tense Senate Session Erupts As Senators Clash Over Ningi’s Budget Padding Allegation

Tense Senate Session Erupts As Senators Clash Over Ningi’s Budget Padding Allegation

A tense atmosphere enveloped the Senate chambers on Tuesday afternoon as senators engaged in a fiery debate sparked by Senator Abdul Ningi’s claim that the 2024 Budget was padded to the tune of N3 trillion…….READ ALSO Northern Senator Faces Intense Scrutiny Over Alleged Ties To Terrorism And Kidnapping

Senator Ningi, representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District, had made the contentious statement in an interview with BBC Hausa Service over the weekend. He also alleged the existence of two versions of the 2024 budget being implemented.

However, Senator Ningi later refuted his earlier statements during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, attributing the misunderstanding to being misquoted in the Hausa language.

The issue was brought to the forefront during the Senate’s plenary session on Tuesday when Senator Adeola Olamilekan, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, moved a motion calling for an investigation into Ningi’s claim. Senator Joel Onawakpo seconded the motion, setting off a heated debate among the senators.

In the midst of the intense exchanges, Senator Adamu Aliero, representing Kebbi Central Senatorial District, raised a point of order, urging Senate President Godswill Akpabio to ensure a fair hearing by allowing Senator Ningi to present his side of the story.

Initially taken aback by Senator Ningi’s intervention, Senate President Akpabio emphasized the Senate’s role as the stabilizer of the National Assembly and called for a measured approach to address the issue.

Senator Ningi was subsequently given the floor to clarify his statements, but the session quickly devolved into a rowdy spectacle, reflecting the heightened tensions surrounding the contentious budget padding allegation.