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Ningi insists on N3trn budget padding, says he’s not afraid of suspension
Abdul Ningi, senator representing Bauchi central, has
insisted that the 2024 budget was padded by N3 trillion.
Speaking with reporters in Abuja, on Monday, Ningi said the
extra N3 trillion in the budget is not tied to any project.
During the weekend, the senator stirred a controversy when
he alleged that a “huge damage” has been done to the north and the entire
country through the budget.
The national assembly had passed a budget of N28.7 trillion
for the 2024 fiscal year.
President Bola Tinubu had proposed N27.5 trillion, but the
lawmakers jerked it up with N1.2 trillion.
The chairman of the Northern Senators Forum (NSF) said the
country is operating two budgets.
There were reports that the senator risks suspension from
the chamber as some of his colleagues who have disagreed with him plan to take
up the allegation on the floor of the upper legislative chamber on Tuesday.
“At no time did I say Bola Ahmed Tinubu is implementing the
N25 trillion budget,” Ningi said.
“I said we have established beyond reasonable doubt that N25
trillion so far has a nexus in the budget. That means that there is money,
there is a project and then there is location.
“But we are yet to ascertain N3 trillion of that budget.
“We have established the N3 trillion of that budget, we have
not established its location and the place.”
Ningi said he is not afraid of suspension from the senate.
“If it is a cross that I have to carry, I will carry it. I’m
not afraid of anything. I believe in one God and I believe that power is
transient,” he said.
“I am not scared of any issue like suspension – I have been
out of the senate for eight year and people had to force me back.
“The budget evaluation is ongoing. I said lastly, the
intention of the northern senators as regards budgetary allocation was to meet
the senate president with our findings and subsequently meet President Bola
Ahmed Tinubu with our findings.”
