Abdul Ningi, the senator representing Bauchi central, strongly believes that the 2024 budget has been inflated by an additional N3 trillion.
He spoke with reporters in Abuja on Monday, emphasizing that this extra N3 trillion is not allocated to any specific project.
Over the weekend, he sparked controversy by claiming that significant harm has been done to the northern region and the entire country due to this budget.
Initially, President Bola Tinubu proposed a budget of N27.5 trillion, but the national assembly increased it by N1.2 trillion, resulting in a total budget of N28.7 trillion for the 2024 fiscal year.
Senator Ningi, who also chairs the Northern Senators Forum (NSF), expressed concern that there seems to be two different budgets in operation.
There are reports that some of Ningi’s colleagues in the senate disagree with his allegations and are considering taking action against him, possibly leading to his suspension from the chamber.
However, Ningi remains steadfast in his position, asserting that he is not afraid of suspension because he believes in the transient nature of power and relies on his faith in God.
“If it is a cross that I have to carry, I will carry it. I’m not afraid of anything. I believe in one God and I believe that power is transient,”
“I am not scared of any issue like suspension – I have been out of the senate for eight year and people had to force me back.”
He clarified that his concern is not about President Tinubu personally implementing the N25 trillion budget, but rather about identifying where the N3 trillion discrepancy in the budget lies.
He emphasized the need to ascertain the location and purpose of this additional N3 trillion.
Ningi reassured that the budget evaluation process is ongoing, and he intends to present the findings of the northern senators to both the Senate President and President Tinubu.
Despite the potential consequences, Ningi is determined to carry out his duty and address what he perceives as discrepancies in the budget allocation.
