ACF Slams Senate For Hastily Suspending Ningi Amidst N3.7 Trillion Budget Padding Dispute

ACF Slams Senate For Hastily Suspending Ningi Amidst N3.7 Trillion Budget Padding Dispute

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), a socio-political organization representing northern interests, has criticized the National Assembly’s decision to suspend Senator Abdul Ningi of Bauchi Central amidst allegations of budget padding totaling N3.7 trillion for the 2024 fiscal year. This move comes following Ningi’s assertion, made in a previous interview, which led to his suspension for what the Senate deemed an unverified claim.

Prof. Tukur-Baba, the ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, expressed dismay over the swift suspension of Ningi, stating that the process seemed hurried and focused more on penalizing the messenger rather than addressing the substance of his message. The organization emphasized the need for an impartial investigation into the allegations rather than resorting to immediate punitive measures.

The ACF highlighted concerns that Ningi’s suspension could have adverse implications for various Northern communities. Instead of hastily suspending the Senator, the ACF urged the Senate to prioritize transparent deliberations and ensure a fair examination of the budget padding allegations.

In a statement titled ‘ACF regrets suspension of Senator Ningi from 10th Senate, calls for more open debates on issues,’ the organization underscored the importance of upholding democratic principles and fostering an environment conducive to constructive dialogue within the legislative process.

While acknowledging the Senate’s prerogative to govern its affairs, the ACF stressed the significance of preserving the integrity of parliamentary proceedings and maintaining accountability in matters of public interest.

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