Budget Padding: I am not responsible for Ningi’s suspension – Akpabio replies Falana

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has stated that he was not the one who caused the suspension of Bauchi Central Senator, Abdul Ningi, over accusations of budget padding.

Ningi, represented by his lawyer, Femi Falana, has demanded the reversal of his suspension. He warned that if his suspension isn’t lifted within seven days, he will pursue legal action against the Senate President, arguing that the process leading to his suspension was flawed.

Ningi was suspended by the Senate on March 12 for three months after alleging that the 2024 budget was inflated by about N3.7 trillion.

However, Akpabio’s legal representative, Umeh Kalu, SAN, in a letter to Falana titled “Re: Request to Lift the Suspension of Sen. Abdul Ningi,” emphasized that the Senate President was not responsible for Ningi’s suspension.

The letter stated: “We represent Sen. Godswill Akpabio and are responding to your letter dated March 27 on the subject. After reviewing your analysis of the events leading to your client’s suspension, we find no basis for solely blaming our client for the suspension. Therefore, we deny the accusations on behalf of our client.

“Furthermore, contrary to your claims, our client did not serve as your client’s accuser, prosecutor, and judge during the Senate session that resulted in the suspension. Our client’s role was that of a Legislative House Presiding Officer, which includes announcing the majority decision after debate and voting.

“We note your reference to legal precedents on the unconstitutional nature of suspending Legislative House members. However, your failure to provide specific details of these precedents renders your argument ineffective. We urge you to present the relevant legal authorities to support your claims.

“While we won’t delve into all available remedies for our client, we remind you that legislative proceedings are governed by rules. We urge you to consider the legal aspects outlined in this letter before taking further action.”