The Senate of Nigeria has been thrown into a state of confusion and chaos following the shocking allegations made by Abdul Ningi, the Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum, during an interview with BBC Hausa.
Ningi claimed that an astonishing N3.7 trillion was padded in the 2024 budget, causing an uproar among his fellow senators and sparking intense debates and discussions within the Senate chambers.
Ningi, in his defense, later clarified that he had been quoted out of context in the interview due to the language barrier, as he had conducted the interview in Hausa. However, he did admit to hiring a consultant to review the budget, and according to the consultant’s findings, approximately N3.7 trillion could not be traced to any specific projects or locations.
The revelation of these allegations led to heated arguments and rowdy sessions in the Senate, with senators raising various points of order and rules to support their positions. Solomon Adeola Olamilekan, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, expressed his frustration over the breach of his rights as a senator who had actively participated in the budgeting process. He called for immediate action to address the issue and protect the integrity of the budgeting process.
Olamilekan presented a full transcript of Ningi’s interview to the Senate, along with the voice recording of the interview, which was played for all senators to hear. He argued that Ningi had not sought the facts before making such serious allegations and urged the Senate to deliberate on the matter and take appropriate action to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
Several other senators seconded Olamilekan’s motion, expressing their concerns about the implications of Ningi’s allegations. Joel Onowakpa, a senator from Delta South, criticized Ningi for attempting to incite the public against the government by casting aspersions on the national budget. He emphasized the need for decisive action to preserve the integrity of the budgeting process and maintain public trust.
In response to the allegations, Abdul Ningi defended himself, stating that he never explicitly claimed that the budget was padded. He explained that his initial statement about two budgets being in operation had been misinterpreted and manipulated. Ningi also highlighted the discrepancies in budget allocations to different senatorial districts, pointing out that some districts received significantly more funds than others.
Ningi’s defense was met with mixed reactions from the Senate. Some senators urged caution and called for a fair hearing, allowing Ningi the opportunity to present his side of the story. Others, however, criticized Ningi for causing unnecessary controversy and tarnishing the image of the Senate.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio intervened, emphasizing the need for unity and stability within the Senate. He urged senators to focus on their responsibilities as lawmakers and avoid engaging in personal attacks or divisive actions. Akpabio highlighted the role of the media in sensationalizing issues and urged senators to work together to address the concerns raised by the allegations.
The Senate president also revealed that he had commissioned a consultant to review the budget, following a request from Ningi and another senator, Suleiman Kawu. Akpabio expressed his disappointment with the lack of detailed information provided by the consultants and their decision to grant an interview to the BBC before presenting their findings to the Senate. He emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in the budgeting process.
As the proceedings continued, tensions remained high, with senators expressing their frustrations and concerns. Some senators felt that their reputations had been unfairly tarnished by the allegations, while others called for a focus on ethical standards and professionalism within the Senate.
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kogi State has condemned the ban on political rallies and convoys imposed by the state government.
State Chairman of SDP, Mr Ahmed Attah, issued the condemnation in a statement signed by the SDP Press Secretary, Isaiah Ijele, on Tuesday in Lokoja.
The party described the ban as an attack on democratic principles and a blatant attempt to silence opposition voices.
Attah urged Gov. Ahmed Ododo to learn from the past and avoid repeating old, harmful practices that have hindered the state’s progress.
“The party views this action as an attempt to suppress the freedom of association and movement enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
Attah insisted that the state is not at war and urged the government to focus on development instead of engaging in political manoeuver.
He warned that Kogi must not return to the dark days of repression, particularly against the opposition. (NAN)
The Presidential Candidate of the defunct National Conscience Party (NCP) in the 2015 general election, Chief Martin Onovo, has said the only unity and emergence of a strong candidate could secure victory for the coalition of opposition leaders in 2027.
Onovo, an activist and Head of Policy Positions, Movement for Fundamental Change (MFC), said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.
He was reacting to the recent announcement of an opposition coalition to challenge the All progressives Congress (APC) in the next presidential election.
Presidential Candidate of the defunct National Conscience Party (NCP) in the 2015 general election, Chief Martin Onovo,
“The coalition of opposition leaders needs a candidate that is vigorous; a strong candidate to brighten its chances in 2027. The coalition needs somebody with a clear agenda and a clear vision.
“The opposition needs a candidate with a strong background of integrity. Nobody is perfect, but you need a strong background of integrity.
“The opposition needs somebody who is morally and mentally competent, and physically fit. The opposition does not need the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or any old person if it wants to win.
“The opposition doesn’t need any old person now. It is time to use the energy of the young.
“They must present a strong candidate, who is strong morally, mentally, and physically, with a clear patriotic agenda to move the country forward, ” Onovo said.
He added that the coalition had a lot that could work to its advantage in 2027 and urged members to work with unity of purpose to achieve convincing victory.
Also speaking on chances of the ruling party in 2027, the politician said APC could remain in power if the challenges arising from subsidy removal and other economic issues were addressed by the present administration.
He also said President Bola Tinubu still had the opportunity to address the security challenges in the country to win in 2027 ,and remain in power ,if interested
Onovo, who noted that he was not part of the organisers of the mega coalition, said that he had always been part of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) since 2019 elections.
He called on all Nigerians to unite for the development of the country, ensuring leadership that would fulfill the country’s aspirations.
NAN recalls that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, had recently announced the formation of a coalition, aimed at unseating Tinubu in 2027.
Atiku made the declaration during a press conference in Abuja, attended by several opposition politicians, including former APC members.
Among those present at the even were the 2023 Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, represented by Dr Yunusa Tanko; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal and a former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai. (NAN)
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River on Monday granted Gov. Bassey Otu and his deputy, Mr Peter Odey, an automatic ticket for the 2027 general election.
Speaking at the APC Secretariat in Calabar, the party’s Chairman, Mr Alphonsus Eba, urged other party members aspiring for political positions to begin their consultations.
Eba clarified that apart from the governor and his deputy, no other individual had been given an automatic ticket by the party.
He encouraged other aspirants to return to their constituents and seek their support ahead of the elections.
“The State Working Committee and the State Executive Committee of APC met today and resolved that Governor Otu will be the party’s sole candidate in 2027,” he said.
He explained that the decision was based on the principle of continuity, stating, “Nobody changes a winning team. The governor and his deputy will fly the party’s flag in 2027.”
He added that even if Otu was reluctant to run, the party would still present only one ticket with his name, as was done in 2022.
“We appeal to him to listen to the desires of party members and accept the nomination,” Eba stated.
He also praised the deputy governor, currently acting as governor, for supporting President Bola Tinubu’s actions in Rivers.
Eba noted that some individuals had misrepresented the state’s position. He commended the acting governor for clarifying that South-South governors had not consulted him before opposing Tinubu’s decision.
He applauded the President for restoring peace in Rivers, preventing a political crisis. (NAN)
