SERAP orders Akpabio to reinstate Ningi within seven days or face legal actions

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio to reverse Senator Abdul Ningi’s suspension, reinstate him within seven days, or face appropriate legal actions.

The organisation threatened legal action if its recommendations were not handled within seven days.

“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel you and the Senate to comply with our requests in the public interest.”

Ningi, who represents Bauchi Central, was suspended for three months after allegedly padding the budget.

Ningi said in an interview that the National Assembly increased the 2024 budget to N28.7 trillion from the approved N25 trillion.

SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare emphasised the significance of restoring Ningi, emphasising openness and accountability.

“Reinstate whistleblower Abdul Ningi who was recently suspended from the Senate over his allegations that the lawmakers padded the 2024 budget by irregularly inserting projects worth N3.7 trillion.”

SERAP encouraged Akpabio to send the situation to anti-graft agencies, arguing that doing so would increase public trust in the Senate.

The organisation also demanded a stop to illegal constituency projects and raised concern about the lack of transparency in government expenditures.

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State expressed his support for Ningi during a state executive council meeting, mirroring SERAP’s remarks.

“I made it clear that I stand firm in our support for Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi, of Bauchi Central.”