Senator Abdul Ningi has reversed his previous statement, clarifying that he did not accuse President Bola Tinubu’s government of implementing two budgets or showing bias against the North during his interview with the Hausa Service of the BBC.
Ningi, who spoke with Senate correspondents explained that his Hausa interview was misinterpreted, especially by presidential media aide Mr Bayo Onanuga.
According to Ningi, the consultants investigating the N28.7 trillion could only link projects and expenditures to N25 trillion, leaving N3.7 trillion unaccounted for.
He emphasized that he did not accuse the president of marginalizing the North but criticized Tinubu’s predecessors for not addressing northern challenges. Regarding Tinubu, Ningi clarified that he held no blame for him, as northern leaders failed to secure commitments from him during his presidential campaign.
Recall on Monday, it was reported that the Senate is set to convene to address allegations made by Senator Abdul Ningi of Bauchi Central (PDP), who claims that the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government is implementing an unauthorized budget.
Senator Ningi, representing the Northern Senators’ Forum, alleges discrepancies between the National Assembly-approved N25 trillion 2024 budget and the purported N28.7 trillion being implemented. Plans to meet President Tinubu for clarification have been disclosed.
According to The Punch, some senators are reportedly considering the suspension of Senator Ningi, viewing his statements as unfounded and potentially damaging to the Senate’s reputation.
Meetings among lawmakers have taken place to address the situation internally, with plans for a Press Conference by the northern bloc of the Senate to refute the allegations.
Senator Solomon Adeola, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, has withdrawn his initial plan to address the issue publicly, stating that the Senate will internally handle the matter through legislative mechanisms on Tuesday.
