Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP Bauchi Central) formally resumed legislative activities, yesterday, more than two months out of the 90 days suspension slammed on him on March 12.
Last week, the Senate had, on the strength of a motion sponsored by the Minority Leader, Abba Moro, on behalf of the Minority Caucus, recalled Ningi from the three months suspension.
He was suspended by the Senate at the committee of the whole on 2024 budget padding allegations levelled against the Senate during an interview he had with the BBC Hausa service.
Ningi was among the first set of senators and House of Representatives members to arrive at the National Assembly for plenary, yesterday.
Ningi, who along with some few other senators like Suleiman Kawu (NNPP Kano South), Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (PDP Sokoto South) etc came into the National Assembly through the Villa Gate, arrived exactly at 10: 40am, 20minutes to 11:00am fixed for commencement of plenary which even started at about 12:10 pm.
During his suspension, Ningi lost his chairmanship position of the Committee on National Identity and Population, which was allocated to Mustapha Musa (APC Yobe East), two days after the now lifted suspension.
Meanwhile, Ningi has told fellow senators that “it’s time to move on,” just as the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, said “bygone should be bygone”
READ ALSO: Senate Recalls Ningi From Suspension
Ningi who expressed his appreciation through Order 42 of the Senate standing rules, said he was in Turkey when he heard of his being recalled from suspension.
“Mr President, distinguished colleagues, I rise with profound humility to commend the Senate, its President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, the Senate leadership and the minority caucus for recalling me from suspension.
“I was in Turkey when the news got to me last week and I’m very much appreciative of the gesture. I’m happy to be back at home because the National Assembly is like home to me, having served as House leader, Deputy Senate Leader in the past and now as one of the Distinguished serving senators.
“I also thank my State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, the people of Bauchi State and other Nigerians who reached out to me in one way or the other during the period that has now been put behind.”
In his response, Akpabio, said bygone should be bygone.
“Distinguished Senator Abdul Ningi, you are a very resourceful person needed in the 10th Senate, electorates from Bauchi Central Senatorial District voted for you. You are welcome and let bygones be bygone.”
The Sun