March 13, 2024
The Senate on Tuesday suspended Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) for three months after alleging the 2024 budget was padded with N3 trillion.
The Bauchi Central Senator also claimed that the 2024 budget passed is N25tn while the one being implemented by the Presidency is N28.7tn.
Also, Senator Sumaila Kawu (NNPP – Kano South) was warned to desist from spreading false information capable of destabilising the Senate.
The “suspension” and “warning” followed the adoption of a motion on urgent national importance.
However, before Ningi’s suspension, some Nigerian Senators had been suspended on the floor of the Senate floor for different offences.
Here is a list of seven Nigerian senators that have been suspended.
1. Femi Okurounmu (Ogun Central) suspended in 1999
Offence: Alleging that senators were planning to impeach Obasanjo
2. Joseph Waku (Benue) – (2000)
In 2000, Senator Joseph Kennedy Waku, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Benue State was suspended on the floor of the Nigerian Senate.
Waku sparked a major controversy when he said it was better for the military to return through a coup than for former President Olusegun Obasanjo to continue as a dictator.
3. Arthur Nzeribe (Imo, Orlu Constituency)- (2002) (Indefinite Suspension)
Arthur Nzeribe was elected Senator for the Imo Orlu constituency in 1999 and reelected in 2003.
In November 2002, Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim indefinitely suspended Senator Nzeribe due to a N22 million fraud allegation.
4. Isah Mohammed (Niger Central) suspended in October 2004
Offence: For slapping Senator Iyabo Anisulowo
5. Ali Ndume (Borno South) – Six-month suspension
In 2017, the Senate suspended Ali Ndume after he asked for an investigation into allegations of importing a bulletproof Range Rover with fake documents involving then Senate President Bukola Saraki and that of perjury involving Dino Melaye.
He was suspended for six months, instead of one year originally recommended by the ethics committee.
6. Ovie Omo-Agege (Delta Central ) – Three-month suspension
In 2018, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, representing Delta Central Senatorial district, was suspended for 90 legislative days during the plenary.
The Senate Committee on Public Petitions, Ethics and Privileges, which investigated him over comment on reordering the electoral timetable, recommended his suspension.
7. Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) – Three Months Suspension
On Tuesday, the Godswill Akpabio-led Senate suspended Senator Abdul Ningi.
Ningi, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was suspended during Tuesday’s plenary over allegations of padding of the 2024 budget.
The Bauchi Central Senator also claimed that the 2024 budget passed is N25tn while the one being implemented by the Presidency is N28.7tn.
