Arewa Consultative Forum, a group from northern Nigeria, criticized the Senate for suspending Senator Abdul Ningi for allegedly adding N3.7tn to the 2024 budget.
Ningi made the accusation in an interview, leading to his three-month suspension by the Senate for what they called an unfounded claim.
The ACF expressed disappointment that the Senate chose to suspend Senator Abdul Ningi from Bauchi North instead of allowing an independent investigation into the matter.
The ACF, through its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur-Baba, said the process which led to Ningi’s suspension seemed rushed and focused on the messenger rather than the message.
The ACF highlighted that the suspension of Ningi, who was the leader of the Northern Senators Forum, could negatively impact many communities in the region.
The ACF preferred a thorough investigation of the allegation by a Senate committee rather than the swift suspension of Ningi.
The statement was titled, ‘ACF regrets suspension of Senator Ningi from 10th Senate, calls for more open debates on issues.’
The Arewa Consultative Forum closely observed the dramatic events in the 10th Senate, leading to Senator Abdul Ningi’s three-month suspension from the Red Chamber.
“ACF acknowledges the 10th Senate’s constitutional privilege to determine how it operates or conducts its affairs.
“ACF does not wish to engage in debate with the Senate. Still, on the whole, the process appeared rushed, with concerns looking more at the messenger rather than his message.
“ACF notes that the allegation has since been denied by the 10th Senate as lacking in veracity. However, the interests of many communities in Northern Nigeria are at stake.
“Rather than the route of a rushed suspension of Senator Ningi, ACF prefers a thorough investigation of the allegation by some statutory or ad hoc committee of the Senate.
“ACF regrets that Bauchi Central will be without representation in the 10th Senate for the 3 months, and stands with Senator Ningi and his supporters in whatever constitutional means they seek to respond for a satisfactory denouement to this sad development.
“ACF also calls on the 10th Senate to act with more circumspection and sensitivity in processing criticism of its operations. Robust debates on public policy issues undoubtedly strengthen the development of the democratic project.”
