The Nigerian Senate has pardoned and recalled Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi after 77 days of suspension. The suspension, which began on March 12, 2024, stemmed from allegations of N3.7 trillion padding of the 2024 Budget.
Deputy Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro initiated the recall process on Tuesday by moving a motion in which he expressed regret on behalf of Senator Ningi and pledged to assume full responsibility for his actions.
Following a brief plea by several lawmakers, Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced Ningi’s unconditional recall. Akpabio highlighted Ningi’s resourcefulness and underscored his value to the Senate, noting that the decision to recall him transcends religious and ethnic divides.
Senator Ningi, representing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Bauchi Central Senatorial District, faced scrutiny and debate within the legislative body during his suspension period. His recall comes just two weeks before the end of the three-month suspension, initially set to terminate on June 12, 2024.