Senate President Akpabio clarifies no communication from Senator Ningi regarding reinstatement following suspension by the Senate institution
Akpabio emphasizes that as an individual, he cannot unilaterally decide on Ningi’s reinstatement; it’s a Senate decision
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has clarified that he has not received any letter from Senator Abdul Ningi, who represents Bauchi Central under the PDP, demanding reinstatement.
Ningi recently issued a 7-day ultimatum to Akpabio, urging him to reinstate him or face legal consequences. However, Akpabio emphasized that the Senate as an institution, not him personally, suspended Ningi. Thus, he cannot unilaterally reinstate him.
Ningi’s suspension came after a BBC Hausa interview where he alleged a N3.7 billion padding in the 2024 fiscal year budget, sparking a heated debate among Senators during plenary.
Following the debate, Ningi was suspended for three months and instructed to tender an apology letter to the Senate. However, in a letter from his legal representative, Femi Falana (SAN), Ningi accused Akpabio of assuming multiple roles – accuser, prosecutor, and judge – in his case, violating constitutional provisions.
Akpabio’s Media Special Adviser, Eseme Eyiboh, reiterated that the Senate, not Akpabio, suspended Ningi, emphasizing that the Senate acted according to its rules, not on an individual’s whim.
Eyiboh stated, “I am neither aware nor have I received any letter regarding your inquiry. However, it is crucial to understand that the Senate operates based on its rules, not individual influence. Associating any individual with Ningi’s suspension is unfounded.”
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