In a surprising turn of events, Senator Abdul Ningi has tendered his resignation as the Chairman of the Northern Senators’ Forum. The resignation comes shortly after Ningi was suspended for three months by the Senate over his statement on the alleged padding of the 2024 budget.
Ningi’s resignation letter, dated March 11, was made public following his suspension. In the letter addressed to the forum, Ningi stated, “I will like to resign my position as the Chairman of the Northern Senators’ Forum. This is of course necessitated by unfolding events in the National Assembly, the North, and the nation at large”.
Ningi expressed his gratitude to the members of the forum for the opportunity given to him to lead the important forum for the past eight months. He emphasized the significance of the forum in the progress and development of Northern Nigeria.
The suspension of Senator Ningi came after a heated three-hour debate over his interview where he alleged that the National Assembly padded the 2024 N28.7tn budget. The Senate also issued a warning to Senator Suleiman Kawu (NNPP, Kano South) against sharing and distributing disturbing news about the Senate.
The news of Ningi’s resignation has sparked mixed reactions among Nigerians. Some have commended his decision, praising him for his integrity and character in the face of adversity. However, others have criticized him, labeling him as a controversial politician and questioning his motives.
Sources close to the matter suggest that there may be underlying political tensions within the Northern Senators’ Forum. Some believe that the loss of the Senate leadership to Akpabio has caused dissatisfaction among the Northern caucus, leading to internal conflicts.
Senator Abdul Ningi’s resignation as the Chairman of the Northern Senators’ Forum has created a significant stir in Nigerian politics. The circumstances surrounding his resignation, including his suspension and allegations of budget padding, have added to the controversy.