Emmanuel OchayiSocio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio to recall Senator Abdul Ningi, who was suspended for three months over his allegation of budget padding.
Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, faced suspension after asserting that the National Assembly padded the 2024 budget by N3.7 trillion.
In a statement released on March 16, 2024, SERAP emphasized the importance of reinstating Ningi and urged Akpabio to refer the allegations to anti-graft agencies, enhancing public trust. The group highlighted Ningi’s whistleblowing as a positive act of citizenship and condemned penalizing him for it.
READ ALSO: Senate Suspends Ningi For 3 Months Over Budget Padding Allegation
SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare stated, “Referring these allegations to appropriate anticorruption agencies would be consistent with the lawmakers’ oath of office and the Nigerian Constitution.”
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed expressed solidarity with Ningi during a State Executive Council meeting, affirming unwavering support. SERAP echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for accountability in constituency project spending.
The organization’s statement underscored concerns about the lack of transparency in public fund utilization, linking it to poverty and underdevelopment. SERAP urged Akpabio to commit to discontinuing unlawful constituency projects and address budget padding issues effectively.
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days,” the statement read, hinting at possible legal action if the Senate fails to comply. SERAP stressed the importance of addressing corruption allegations promptly to foster public trust and ensure accountability.
The call for reinstating Ningi and investigating budget padding resonates with broader efforts to combat corruption and promote transparency in governance. SERAP’s stance reflects a commitment to accountability and citizen empowerment in Nigeria’s democratic processes.
