By Nathaniel Zacchaeus, Abuja
Senate Spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, yesterday restated that the Senate has not foreclosed a reprieve for the axed Senator representing Bauchi Central, Abdul Ningi.
Adaramodu restated the stance of the Red Chamber on Wednesday while addressing journalists over the newly launched 10th Senate Magazine.
The Senate last March suspended Senator Ningi for alleging that the 2024 budget was padded with N3trn.
Adaramodu, however, maintained that the suspension was a settled matter, however, clarified that the Senate could rescind its decision.
He said, “Senator Ningi is an internal matter, it has been dealt with. We have said if he wants a variation of the decision taken by the entire Senate, the Senate will sit down and take another decision.
“It must be by the entire 108 senators. It is not Ningi vs Akpabio, or the Senate President, Ningi versus Senator Adaramodu.
“We have put Ningi’s case behind us. If we want to rescind that decision, the entire Senate will put it forward and decide on its merit.”
Meanwhile, Adaramodu has unveiled the 10th Senate Magazine on the floor of the Red Chamber.
He said, “The new publication is an embodiment of the Senate’s commitment to open dialogue and effective communication with Nigerian people within and outside.
“Within its pages, you will find a tapestry of stories, insights, and ideas that reflect the rich chronicle of our nation.
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“It will serve as a platform for the Senate to share its legislative achievements, initiatives, and aspirations, while also providing a voice to the diverse voices of our citizenry.
“As we embark on this journey together, let us embrace the power of knowledge and dialogue. Let us seize this opportunity to strengthen the bond between the Senate and the people, as we work hand in hand towards a brighter future for our beloved nation.”
Similarly, the Senate yesterday asked the Transmission Company Nigeria (TCN) to hasten repair works on the vandalised Jos-Gombe 330KV and restore power to the North-East states of Gombe, Adamawa, Borno, Bauchi, and Taraba.
It also directed the Federal Ministry of Power to allocate funds for the repairs and extend the power line to include the Gombe-Maiduguri end.
The six states and parts of Plateau state were thrown into darkness about one month ago after vandals reportedly destroyed key towers of the power line along the Jos-Gombe route.
The Senate’s resolution followed a motion moved by Sen. Manu Haruna (Taraba Central) and 14 other lawmakers from the zone at a session presided over by its President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio in Abuja.
The Senate also appealed to President Bola Tinubu, in line with the ‘renewed hope agenda’ of his administration, to expedite the construction of the Makurdi -Jalingo-Yola-Gombe 330KV transmission line to connect the North-East to the South-East transmission line to preserve as an alternative supply path to the North-East in the event of a fault on the Jos-Gombe line.
It further urged the ministry to “collaborate with security agencies and local vigilantes in the host communities of TCN transmission lines to deter and prevent acts of vandalism.”
Several senators, while contributing to the debate on the motion, called for more to be given to the wellbeing of the people of the Northeast whom they said had suffered from long years of neglect.
Former President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, recalled that as far back as the 90’s, the “UNDP caregorised the North-East to be the poorest in Nigeria”, adding, “Even today, the situation has not changed.”
He argued that though the federal government had intervened with the North East Development Commission (NEDC), the agency had its limits, which would require that the government give more attention to the zone.
Senator. Adamu Aliero called for the arrest and prosecution of the vandals to serve as a deterrent to other criminal elements.
“Let’s find out who did the vandalism. It’s a crime to go and destroy social infrastructure. Those who are responsible for this vandalism must be punished. I am happy that the TCN promised to restore power this weekend. I hope they will keep the promise,” he added.
