Senate President Goodwill Akpabio has criticized Bauchi Central Senator Abdul Ningi for allegedly tarnishing the image of the Senate with his accusations of budget padding amounting to N3.7 trillion.
Ningi had raised concerns about the absence of traceable projects worth N3.7 trillion in the 2024 Appropriation Act, alleging that the budget passed by the National Assembly was N25 trillion, not the N28.7 trillion implemented by the Federal Government.
In response, Akpabio challenged Ningi to apologize for what he perceived as damaging remarks, urging him to clarify and retract his statements.
Addressing the Senate, Akpabio clarified that the budget presented by the President was N27.5 trillion, with a potential addition of N1.2 trillion, refuting Ningi’s claims of a lower budget presentation. Akpabio expressed disappointment in Ningi’s failure to retract his statements and instead insisted on having documents to substantiate his claims.
Akpabio emphasized the negative impact of Ningi’s allegations on the Senate’s reputation, expressing concern that the image of the Senate had been significantly tarnished. He urged Ningi to rectify the situation with a public apology and clarification.
Akpabio’s remarks underscore the gravity of Ningi’s allegations and highlight the importance of maintaining the integrity and credibility of the Senate in the eyes of the Nigerian public.
