Bauchi Governor declares allegiance to suspended lawmaker

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has thrown his full support behind Senator Abdul Ningi, who was suspended by the Senate for three months on Tuesday.

Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, also resigned as Chairman of the Northern Senators’ Forum.

His suspension stemmed from remarks made in a BBC interview alleging budget padding in the 2024 budget by the National Assembly.

Despite facing suspension, Ningi stood by his statements during a press briefing on Monday.

Governor Mohammed affirmed his support for Ningi during a State Executive Council meeting, highlighting the importance in politics without punitive measures. Senator Opeyemi Bamidele criticized Ningi’s claims, labeling them as a “civilian coup.”

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim initiated the motion to suspend Ningi for 12 months, citing allegations of misinformation and breach of peace.

Senators Asuquo Ekpenyong and Abdulfatai Buhari proposed amendments to reduce the suspension period to six months and three months, respectively.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio described Ningi’s actions as “grievous,” leading to a majority vote in favor of a three-month suspension.