By Raphael Ekpang
The leader of the 10th Northern Senators’ Forum, Senator Abdul Ningi’ representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District has denied his colleagues in the forum over his comments on the 2024 budget.
Recalls that acting under the banner of Northern Senators’ Forum, Senator Ningi, claimed in an interview he granted BBC Hausa Service, that the National Assembly debated and passed N25 Trillion as 2024 budget and not the N28.7 Trillion that is being implemented by the Federal Government.
But Core Reporters have reported that Nigi’s action was similar to the biblical Peter whom it was recorded denied Jesus three times before the cock crew
The Bauchi state born lawmaker is facing baptism of fire from the presidency and alleged rumour of suspension by his colleagues from the upper legislative chamber.
Briefing newsmen in Abuja on Monday, Senator Ningi, who made a u-turn, said “at no time did I say Tinubu was operating two budgets”.
He said “Am not representing Northern Senators’ forum, the interview I had was in my capacity as senator and has no bearing to northern senators”.
He berated Onanuga “I have been following his write up for many years, but am surprised with Bayo’s press release agaist my person.
“I never granted interview in English, Bayo did not listen or asked for translation of my Hausa interview” he said.
However, in what looks like a man being on the cross, Ningi lamented, “At no time did I say Tinubu was against the North, or implementing the budget against the North, I spoke on the state of the nation.
”If am suspended it will be honourary, I was speaking like a parliamentarian” Ningi added.
It will be recalled that the presidency through a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga faulted claims by NIngi, saying they are unfounded.
Core Reporters investigation shows that Ningi’s handset has been switch off for some days now, after it became obvious that his statements against, President Bola Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio has received condemnation from within and outside the National Assembly.
