By Nathaniel Zacchaeus, Abuja
Senate spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, has told the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that the President of the Senate would not resign over the N3.7trn budget padding allegations levelled against the National Assembly by a member of the PDP, Senator Abdul Ningi, who is currently on suspension.
The opposition party had yesterday asked Akpabio to resign over the development.
Adaramodu, in his reaction yesterday, said, “The PDP has elevated chicanery to statecraft and fatally failed in their sordid attempt to hoodwink the unsuspecting public on the ineffectual but spurious allegations of budget padding.”
Ningi had recently alleged that N3.7tr, which is part of the N28.7trn 2024 budget passed by the National Assembly, could not be traced to projects. The payment was subsequently suspended for three months.
Adaramodu said, “PDP’s ludicrous call for the resignation of Senator Godswill Akpabio as the Senate President is unthinkable and shows the party as a massaging balm for falsehood and immoral Legislative outbursts.”
He added, “Akpabio will not resign and has no intention to resign at any time because he has not committed any wrongdoing to warrant a resignation.”
He said it was shocking that the PDP leadership could not comprehend what transpired at Tuesday’s plenary, where the allegations were debated. Senator Abdul Ningi, who was given ample opportunity to defend himself and prove the budget padding allegations, was suspended after he failed to substantiate his claims in the full glare of the public.
He said, “Contrary to the PDP’s contention that N3.7trn was discreetly inserted into the 2024 budget for alleged non-existent projects and what transpired on the floor of the Chamber, it is open knowledge that no such absurdity is found in the budget passed by the National Assembly and signed by President Bola Tinubu.
“The budget is being implemented judiciously by the Federal Government. Perhaps the N3.7trn being mentioned in the PDP’s shocking statement exists only in the fickle minds of
its purveyors and serves as a dubious version of the budget generated by PDP’s ‘unidentified political flying objects.’
Adaramodu said the Senate did not violate the constitution or its standing Rules and Orders in not referring the matter to a relevant committee, but the decision to take the issue to the Committee of the Whole was for transparency and fairness.
He said it also allowed the public to follow the proceedings and have a value judgement as to who was lying to the nation.
“Albeit, it is the constitutional responsibility of the Senate to vary and determine its internal rules, as deem fit.
“Contrary to the unspeakable grandstanding, Senator Ningi was never intimidated or harassed, nor was he gagged or denied the privilege to exercise his right of reply, as the senator was given ample opportunity to defend himself.
“The whole world saw how he floundered since he had no verifiable facts to substantiate his allegations and his futile efforts to defend lies.
“So, the decision to debate the matter in the Committee of the Whole was in sync with the resolve of the leadership of the 10th Senate under Senator Akpabio to stand for transparency, justice, and fairness.
“The proceedings of the plenary were transmitted live by at least five popular national television stations, which makes all right-thinking people wonder why the PDP is questioning the process.
“The PDP expected the Senate to sweep the unfounded allegations under the carpet, but the 10th Senate, under the leadership of Senate President Akpabio, has zero tolerance for corruption, insipid lies, and egregious falsehood such as the N3.7trn budget padding allegations and could not have conducted the investigation in the closet as suggested by the PDP.”
“Making the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, the fruit to receive the stones is curious; the Senate and the House of Representatives made the Appropriations law, and the suspended Senator disparaged and impugned on the social, political, and Legislative integrity of all.
“No amount of lies and fake allegations will distract the 10th Senate, under Senator Godswill Akpabio, from delivering good legislation and effective oversight for which Nigerians elected us.”
*Yar’Adua replaces Ningi as Northern Senators chair
Following the resignation of Senator Abdul Ningi as the Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum, the group on Thursday named Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua (Katsina Central) as his replacement.
The Forum also named Senator Muhammed Tahir Munguno (Borno North) as its new spokesperson, replacing Senator Sumaila Kawu, the former Spokesperson.
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, announced at the plenary yesterday.
Ningi resigned as the forum’s chairman on Tuesday, following a rowdy session in which the Senator Akpabio-led Senate suspended him for three months.
In his acceptance speech, Yar’Adua said he was deeply honoured and humbled to announce his acceptance as the Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum to his colleagues.
He said, “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my distinguished colleagues for this vote of confidence in me following the resignation of my distinguished elder brother, Senator Abdul Ningi, whom I hold in high esteem.
“I wish to acknowledge and commend his decent outing and contributions during his tenure.
“I am aware of the challenges facing the Northern region, which Include Security, agriculture, education, healthcare, drug abuse, and human trafficking. Others are so numerous to mention.
“The primary objective of the Northern Forum is to promote Nigeria’s interests first, followed by the development of the North through collaboration with our distinguished colleagues from the South and cooperating with the executive arm of government to ensure that the region’s challenges are attended to.
“We shall, therefore, consult with our distinguished colleagues to preserve the unity and progress of our dear nation.
“In advancing these noble objectives, I am committed to streamlined activities within the Northern Senators Forum.
“We shall operate with transparency, accountability, and integrity, upholding the trust placed on us by the electorate.
“Our legislative discourse will continue to be characterized by civility, dignity, and adherence to the rule of law as we fulfill our law-making, policy-making, and oversight functions.
“I am confident that with our collective efforts and cooperation, we can effect positive change, uplift the North, and contribute to the overall development of our great nation.
“Together, let us embark on this journey with unwavering dedication and a steadfast commitment to serving our constituents and our country.
“May our actions be guided by wisdom, compassion, and a shared vision for a better and brighter future.”
*Contractors say Senate, Reps chamber ready next month
Meanwhile, senators and members of the House of Representatives will return to their main chambers next month, according to the contractors handling the project, Messrs Visible Construction Nigeria Limited.
The Project Engineer, Tajudeen Olanipekun, said the finishing stages of work are speedily being carried out with the required expertise and precision for the practical transformation of the entire ambiance of the space in and around the Hallowed Chambers towards project delivery next month.
Olanipekun’s assurance on delivery of the fully transformed and reconfigured hallowed chambers to the National Assembly’s management coincided with a call by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, to the Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA), Alhaji Sani Magaji Tambawal, that both the Senate and the House of Representatives want to move to their main chambers as soon as possible.
Akpabio’s subtle marching order to the CNA on delivery of the main Hallowed Chambers to both the Senate and the House of Representatives was given on Tuesday last week, during his interactive session with journalists covering the Senate which the CNA and other top management staff of the National Assembly attended.
“Please impress it on.
The contractor handling the project will be more speedy in renovating both chambers, as the temporary chambers used since 2022 are unsuitable for hosting visitors from outside the country, “he said.
