The call was connected to the N3.7tn budget padding controversy which was raised by the now-suspended Senator Abdul Ningi.
The group, in a Thursday statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr Victor Moses, also demanded that Ningi’s suspension be reversed, saying “Whistle-blowing is not a crime.”
The statement read, “The issue of the N3.7tn, which was secretly added into the budget by Sen. Akpabio and his men and tied to nothing is embarrassing and shameful. It only explains Akpabio’s mission in the senate.
“Nigeria is currently facing its biggest and most dangerous economic crisis in history. With over 46 per cent poverty rate, the fourth highest inflation rate in the world, a 28.3 hunger index, and a punishing cost of living, Nigeria deserves every kobo to be used for the betterment of the people and not for some greedy few in the Senate to share among themselves.
“The N3.7tn budget smuggling by the Senate is a monster crime and should, by all measures, be treated as a robbery case against the Nigerian state.”
The group stated that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission must live up to its expectations and go after those involved in the said budget padding allegations.
“The President should immediately direct the EFCC to begin an investigation into the allegations of N3.7tn budget padding by GodsWill Akpabio-led Senate and punish the culprit,” the statement added.
On Ningi’s suspension, the group added, “We are also calling on the Akpabio-led Senate to immediately withdraw the suspension against Senator Abdul Ningi and submit themselves to the law.
“Whistle-blowing is not a crime, and no one should be punished for opening a can of worms.”
Forty-eight hours after the resignation of suspended Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP Bauchi Central) as Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua (APC Katsina Central), emerged as the new Chairman.
The All Progressive Congress, Peoples Democratic Party, Labour Party and some other political parties on Monday, called for a thorough probe into the allegation made by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Population, Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central), that N3.7tn was padded in the 2024 budget.
