The senator from Bauchi Central, Abdul Ningi, has been handed a three-month suspension by the Senate.
This action came after his remarks made during an interview, alleging that the National Assembly inflated the 2024 budget to N28.7 trillion.
In the interview conducted on Saturday, Ningi stated that although the National Assembly approved a budget of N25 trillion for the 2024 fiscal year, the Presidency is implementing one worth N28.7 trillion.
In his statement on Thursday, Atiku responded by stating that the allegations are casting doubt on the integrity of the 2024 Appropriation Act, which serves as the foundation of our nation’s yearly planning and development.
He noted that a fiscal policy analytics and advocacy organization has identified a concerning lack of alleged transparency within the 2024 Appropriation Act.
Atiku stated, “Furthermore, the sudden suspension of the whistle-blower Senator, without adequate explanation, has only fueled the crisis, leaving us with more questions than answers.
“I demand an immediate and thorough investigation into these allegations. Appropriation lies at the heart of governance, and any deviation from serving the people’s interests will be met with fierce opposition.
“Denials are unacceptable, and the suspension of one senator cannot silence accusations of corruption and illegal fiscal spending by the federal government.
“Without a clear explanation to the people of Nigeria, we must treat these allegations for what they are: outright fraud.”
The former vice president emphasized that the government cannot simply brush off the accusation of budget padding amounting to N3 trillion. He urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to address this allegation with transparency.
The statement read in part “Given the current hardships facing our nation, a padded budget is already translating to a padded hunger, padded poverty, padded insecurity, padded energy crises, padded forex instability, and the soaring cost of living.
“The people of Nigeria cannot afford to ignore allegations that worsen our already dire economic situation.
“The Tinubu administration must address these high-profile corruption cases transparently.
“The National Assembly, as the elected representatives of the people, are constitutionally obligated to legislate for the peace, order, and good governance of our nation, without colluding with corrupt elements.”
