Report: Why Ningi Resigned As Chairman of Northern Senators Forum

Report: Why Ningi Resigned As Chairman of Northern Senators Forum

Ningi became a vailian after spearheading an onslaught against the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The onslaught began after he spoke with BBC Hausa and accused the Senate of budget padding.

He was the leader of Northern Senators Forum, a group consisting of all northern Senators. The group is considered the most powerful northern caucus. Ningi chose to be naive instead of strategic, which made him go on media rant instead of strategically execute his mission.

The Senate Chamber has faced uncertainties following the enthronement of Senator Akpabio as the Senate President. His enthronement was opposed by some Senators, especially northern Senators, but was hugely backed by the President to become the Senate President. Bitter politics was played, and darts thrown at each other, but in the end, Senator Akpabio was selected.

Since the selection of Akpabio, some Senators have sworn to dethrone him. The move has since been internally verbalised but not put into action. Recent events have shown that the move to impeach Senator Godswill Akpabio is still nursed. Speaking on the Senate Chamber on Monday, Senator Bamidele said.

“I thanked members of the Northern Senators Forum who have debunked Ningi’s claim. Over 60 senators voted for Akpabio and over 40 voted against. Some among those who voted against Akpabio had moved on and agreed to work with Akpabio. Some did not.

“Why are all these controversies always about Akpabio? A few people want to do everything possible to remove you (Akpabio) from that seat. The last time the South-South had the chance to be Senate President was over 40 years”

What Happened

Senator Ningi approached BBC Hausa Service to speak about Budget padding. His words were so callous to the point he only focused on tarnishing the image of the Senate and accusing the federal government of corruption. He opined that 2024 fiscal budget was padded with additional Three Trillion Naira which he said was for nothing.

The issue was raised on the floor or the Red Chamber and fair hearing was given to him. He insisted on his claims and tabled stash of documents. He accused the federal government of signing a different budget from the one approved by the Senators with a difference of Three Trillion.

The Senate President was also accused by Ningi of taking home undocumented salary and expenditures. He further said the Senate is not operating on a balance, but preference and level.

Reaction:

The Senators extensively debated the accusations, where claims and counter claims were made for and against the President of the Red Chamber.

Objections were raised and the Senate resolved that Ningi embarrassed the Red Chamber, consequently, decided that he would be suspended. The Red Chamber further declared that no budget was padded.

The Senate President quickly gave the Senators the opportunity to vote on the motion to suspend Ningi. He was ultimately suspended for three months, after initial motion demanded twelve months.

What’s Next

Ningi resigned immediately from his position as the chairman of Northern Senators Forum. His resignation was reportedly a protest against what he believed was betrayal by fellow northern Senators.

“He expected northern Senators to stand by him, but they splited and voted against him. He felt he was made a scapegoat, fighting for northern interest” a source familiar with the matter said.

Northern Senators has the highest number of seats on the Red Chamber and are also favorites to win votes. At minimum, their influence can go a long way to deciding votes.

“He felt the northern bloc didn’t do much for him. He got suspended and everybody kept quiet without a fight for him. He resigned because of that sense of betrayal”

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