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Published on 2024-03-13 19:49:12
Two Nigerian senators, Enyinnaya Harcourt Abaribe and Ali Ndume, have responded to the claims made by the suspended Senator Abdul Ningi regarding the alleged N500 million ‘largesse’ received by some ranking senators from the 2024 budget. Senator Abaribe stated that he had only received N266 million out of the N500 million mentioned, while Senator Ndume claimed to have received more than N200 million. The controversy arose after Ningi was accused of criminal misinformation and breach of peace in the National Assembly, leading to his suspension for three months over allegations of budget padding in the 2024 budget.
Senator Abaribe, representing Abia South, clarified that despite being a senior senator, he did not receive the alleged N500 million mentioned by Senator Jarigbe Agom-Jarigbe during a plenary session. Abaribe criticized Ningi for making claims without proof, emphasizing that as a seasoned senator, Ningi should have known better. On the other hand, Senator Ndume, the Senate Chief Whip from Borno South Senatorial District, admitted to receiving more than N200 million as a principal officer in the 10th National Assembly. He acknowledged the disparity in allocations for constituency projects among senators and floor members.
The controversy surrounding the alleged ‘largesse’ from the 2024 budget escalated following Ningi’s accusations of budget padding in an interview with BBC Hausa. He claimed that the National Assembly added an extra N3.7 trillion to the initial budget, sparking outrage and calls for transparency in budgetary processes. Senator Abaribe criticized Ningi’s claims, highlighting the need for evidence to support such serious allegations.
Meanwhile, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed publicly supported Senator Abdul Ningi after the Senate’s decision to suspend him for questioning the whereabouts of N3.7 trillion in the 2024 budget. Ningi, representing Bauchi Central senatorial district, faced backlash for his statements and subsequently resigned as Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum.
The reactions from Senators Abaribe and Ndume shed light on the internal dynamics and controversies within the Nigerian Senate. The issue of budget padding and alleged financial mismanagement continues to be a point of contention, highlighting the importance of accountability and transparency in governance. As the debate unfolds, it is essential for all stakeholders to uphold integrity and uphold the principles of good governance in the interest of the Nigerian people.
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