The Nigerian Senate has refuted claims of any covert arrangements aimed at reinstating Abdul Ningi, the suspended senator representing Bauchi Central.
This clarification came from Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South) on Monday, addressing speculations surrounding Senate President GodsWill Akpabio’s alleged private resolution to reconcile with Ningi.
The suspension of Ningi, imposed on March 13 due to allegations of N3.7 trillion budget padding in 2024, has stirred controversy. Two weeks into his suspension, Ningi, through legal representation by Femi Falana, SAN, penned a letter to the Senate President, demanding reinstatement under threat of legal action. Following this, media reports surfaced suggesting a possible reconciliation between Ningi and Akpabio, facilitated behind closed doors.
Adaramodu asserted that no such clandestine negotiations exist, emphasizing that Ningi’s fate rests solely with the 108 senators. “I am not aware of any backdoor arrangement, and to the best of my knowledge, there was none,” stated Adaramodu. He reiterated that Ningi’s case underwent open deliberation in the Senate, and any decision regarding his reinstatement would be made transparently and on merit.
In response to comparisons drawn with previous legal interventions, such as the case of former Deputy Senate President Ovie-Omo-Agege, Adaramodu highlighted the distinct nature of each situation. He stressed that Senate disciplinary actions operate within internal mechanisms separate from legal proceedings.
Regarding concerns about representation for Ningi’s constituents during his suspension, Adaramodu clarified that disciplinary measures only restrict a legislator’s participation in chamber activities, ensuring accountability within the legislative body.
