Senator Abdul Ningi, former Deputy Senate Leader, PDP, Bauchi Central, has resumed plenary session after a three-month suspension, assuring his colleagues that “it’s time to move on.” Senator Ningi expressed gratitude to the Senate for recalling him from suspension after spending 75 of the 90 days imposed on him before the house on 12 March 2024.

Ningi, citing Order 42 of the Senate Standing Rules, stated that he was in Turkey when he learned of his recall from suspension. Ningi stated: “Mr President, distinguished colleagues, I rise with extreme humility to applaud the Senate, its President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, the Senate leadership, and the minority caucus on recalling me from suspension. “I was in Turkey when I heard the news last week, and I appreciate the gesture. “I’m glad to be back at home because the National Assembly is like home to me, having previously served as House Leader, Deputy Senate Leader, and now as one of the Distinguished Senators.

“I also thank my State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, the people of Bauchi State, and other Nigerians who reached out to me in one way or another during the period that has now been put behind.” Senator Godswill Akpabio, the President of the Senate, stated on behalf of his colleagues that bygone should be bygone. Akpabio stated, “Distinguished Senator Abdul Ningi, you are a highly resourceful individual needed in the 10th Senate; electorates from the Bauchi Central Senatorial District voted you for. You are welcome, and please let the past go.”

On Tuesday, 28 May 2024, the Senate recalled Senator Ningi from his three-month suspension through a motion filed by the minority leader, Senator Abba Moro, on behalf of the minority caucus. Also, recall that Senator Ningi was suspended by the Senate at the committee of the whole over the 2024 budget padding allegations raised against the Senate during an interview with the BBC Hausa service.

Senator Ningi appeared overjoyed to be back in the Senate and was one of the first Senators and House of Representatives members to arrive at the National Assembly for plenary on Tuesday, 4 June 2024.

Senator Ningi, along with a few other Senators like Suleiman Kawu (NNPP Kano South), Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (PDP Sokoto South), etc., came into the National Assembly through the Villa Gate, arrived exactly at 10:40 am, 20 minutes to 11:00 am fixed for the commencement of plenary, which even started at around 12:10 pm.

However, due to his suspension, Senator Ningi lost his position as Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Identity and Population, which was given to Senator Mustapha Musa, APC Yobe East, two days after his suspension was lifted.

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