Budget Padding: ‘I Am Not Afraid of Suspension’ — Ningi Dares Akpabio

Senator Abdul Ningi

Ningi insists N3trn is not associated With Any Project In The 2024 Budget

The senator refuted claims that the country is running on two budgets, arguing instead that it was unknown how much N3 trillion was allocated for in the 2024 budget.

Senator Abdul Ningi, who represents Bauchi Central in the National Assembly, has maintained that there isn't a project associated with the N3 trillion in the 2024 budget.

Ningi stated that the budget contains N3 trillion, but it is unclear what the funds are linked to in a Monday conversation with Senate correspondents.

The senator refuted claims that the country is running on two budgets, arguing instead that it was unknown how much N3 trillion was allocated for in the 2024 budget.

“At no time did I say Bola Ahmed Tinubu is implementing two budgets. At no time did I say Bola Tinubu is biased against the North, the Hausa version is there. At no time did I say Bola Tinubu is implementing 25 trillion budget.

"I said we have established without reasonable doubt about 25 trillion so far as nexus in the budget. That means there is money, and then there is project and then there is location. Money, project, location, but we are yet to ascertain three trillion of that budget.

“We have established three trillion in the budget; we have not established its location and place. I don't want any nonsense Senator to come here; if it is a cross I will have to carry, I will carry it,” Senator Ningi said.

He added that even if it means being suspended from the Red Chamber, he is prepared to bear his cross.

“I am not afraid of anything, I believe in one God and I believe power is transient; I am not scared of any issues like suspension. I have been out of the Senate for 8 years and people had to force me back,” he said.