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Following the suspension of Senator representing Bauchi Central, Abdul Ningi from the Senate over allegations of budget padding in the National Assembly, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar paid him a solidarity visit and thrown caution to lawmakers to resist oppressive government in the country.
Rocketparrot News reported that Ningi was suspended for three months by the Senate on March 12, 2024 due to an interview he granted with BBC Hausa where the lawmaker alleged that the budget passed by the National Assembly for the 2024 fiscal year was N25 trillion while the one being implemented by the Presidency was N28.7tn.
During his visit, Atiku noted that, “this agitation did not start just recently. It started during the military era, and it is essential that public institutions, especially the National Assembly, do not become a tool in the hands of oppressive government.
“By our visitation today, we have come to show solidarity with Senator Abdul Ningi and to also pass a message to those who see public office as an instrument to oppress the people, that Senator Ningi is not alone in this struggle.”
The former VP stated that the interests and protection of Nigerians in a democratic setting are reflected in the integrity of public institutions such as the National Assembly.”
In his address, Ningi noted that political officeholders must place the interests of the masses above personal interests, irrespective of their political affiliation or positions.
