The main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified pressure on the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, urging him to step aside amidst allegations of budget padding totaling N3.7 trillion in the 2024 budget.
The call for Akpabio’s disengagement comes in the wake of the suspension of Bauchi Central Senator, Abdul Ningi, who raised an alarm over the alleged padded projects.
Ningi’s assertion, claiming the insertion of N3.7 trillion for purported non-existent projects, sparked a firestorm within the Senate chambers.
READ ALSO: Budget Padding Allegation: BudgIT Backs Ningi
Despite his plea for a thorough investigation, Ningi found himself suspended for three months following deliberations on the matter.
However, the PDP through its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, threw his party’s weight behind Ningi, denouncing the suspension as an attempt to stifle accountability.
Ologunagba demanded an independent probe into the allegations, questioning the Senate’s reluctance to refer the matter to the appropriate committee for transparent scrutiny.
“The Peoples Democratic Party demands that the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, immediately step aside and allow for an independent investigation into the allegation that a staggering N3.7 trillion was discreetly inserted into the 2024 budget for alleged non-existent projects,” Ologunagba asserted.
Highlighting concerns over the Senate President’s impartiality, Ologunagba expressed dismay at Akpabio’s involvement in adjudicating the matter.
He underscored the gravity of the allegations, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in governance.
“It is even more absurd that instead of recusing himself, the Senate President sat as a judge in the matter; a situation that has the capacity to bring the institution of the Senate to further public disrepute,” Ologunagba remarked.
The PDP’s stance reflects growing discontent among Nigerians, who clamour for answers amidst allegations of misconduct and breach of public trust.
Ologunagba condemned the suspension of Senator Ningi as a futile attempt to sweep the issue under the rug, asserting the party’s unwavering support for his quest for accountability.
“Our party stands with Senator Ningi for his courage in seeking probity and accountability in the polity,” Ologunagba affirmed, underscoring the need for a thorough investigation to uphold the integrity of the Senate.
Credit Gist New Today News in Newspaper Nigeria Headlines
