By Milcah Tanimu
The Kebbi State Association for Peace and Good Governance, a civil society organization, has called on the Senate to promptly reinstate Senator Abdul Ningi of Bauchi State, former chairman of the Northern Senators Forum. The organization’s General Secretary, Comrade Usman Muhammed Anache, criticized the senator’s suspension over allegations of budget padding amounting to 3.7 trillion naira, deeming it hasty, irrational, and a violation of his fundamental human rights, including freedom of speech.
Anache argued that recent investigations have vindicated Senator Ningi, citing statements from the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Bagudu, who acknowledged lawmakers’ authority to insert funds into the budget. However, Anache emphasized that lawmakers should not insert such significant amounts without proper portfolio allocation. He called for an investigation into the source of the inserted funds, attributing responsibility to Bagudu’s office.
Moreover, the organization urged President Tinubu and relevant authorities to summon Bagudu for questioning and reinstate Senator Ningi immediately. In a separate matter, the group extended condolences to the Nigerian Army for the loss of 16 personnel, cautioning Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio against making unsubstantiated claims regarding foreign mercenaries’ involvement in the soldiers’ murders. They emphasized the need for accurate information dissemination, highlighting Akpabio’s previous statement regarding the allocation of 30 billion naira to state governors for COVID-19 palliatives as an example.
Regarding reprisal attacks following the soldiers’ killings in Delta State, the organization aligned with Senator Muhammadu Aliero’s call for thorough investigations into the incident. They urged restraint from retaliatory actions and advocated for peace, emphasizing the importance of allowing comprehensive investigations to proceed unhindered.
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