On Tuesday, the 10th Senate dismissed Senator Abdul Ningi for three months on allegations that N3.7 trillion was padded into the 2024 budget.
Ningi is the chairman of the Senate Committee on Population and represents the PDP in Bauchi Central.
REPORTERS AT LARGE learned that the embattled was suspended shortly after members debated a set of prayers contained in a resolution presented by Ogun West Senator Olamilekan Adeola regarding a breach of his privilege following his allegation on the 2024 Budget, which has now gone viral.
The prayers demanded disciplinary measures against the embattled senator for his actions, including suspension from the Senate.
Ningi, who was reported to have asserted during a BBC Hausa Service interview over the weekend, refuted the allegations on Monday, claiming he was cited out of context because he talked in Hausa.
Meanwhile, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim presented an amended motion suspending Ningi for 12 months and warning Senator Sumaila Kawu (Kano South, NNPP).
Senator Chris Ekpeyong (Akwa-Ibom North-West, PDP) opposed this, moving an amendment to decrease the ban to six months, which was seconded.
Another senator, Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South), however, proposed additional modifications, requesting that Ningi be suspended for three months.
After a voice vote on the modified motion, Akpabio ruled: “Senator Ningi is hereby suspended from the Senate for three months.”
The embattled senator was escorted out of the Senate floor immediately following the announcement by one of the sergeants-at-arms.