Senate, on Tuesday, recalled Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi from suspension.
Ningi, who represents Bauchi central was suspended on March 12, 2024, for accusing the Senate of budget padding.
The lawmaker was recalled two weeks to the end of his three-month suspension. It is supposed to terminate on June 12, 2024.
Ningi’s recall process was initiated, on Tuesday, after a motion moved by Deputy Minority Leader Sen Abba Moro, who expressed regret on behalf of the suspended senator.
Moro promised to take full responsibility for Ningi’s actions, acknowledging the gravity of the suspension.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the unconditional recall of Ningi after a brief plea by some lawmakers.
Ningi had in an interview with the BBC said projects worth N3.7 trillion were untraceable in the 2024 budget.
The allegation had triggered a backlash as Nigerians raised many questions for the lawmakers.
In his reaction to Ninigi’s allegation, the Senate President had said many Nigerians would no longer trust the Senate because of the allegation.
“Nigerians are bashing the senate. Many Nigerians will never in future come back to respect this chamber. The integrity of this chamber has been totally damaged and we wanted you to repair it with your speech,” he had said.
After his colleagues interrogated him during plenary, Ningi was accused of mischief and suspended for three months.
