‘Let bygone be bygone’ – Akpabio advises as Ningi returns from suspension

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday urged Bauchi Central Senator, Abdul Ningi to “let bygone be bygone”.

Akpabio spoke as Ningi resumed at the Senate after a three-month suspension.

In March, Newspot reported that the Senate suspended Ningi for three months over his allegation of budget padding.

His suspension followed an interview with BBC Hausa where he claimed that the Federal Government was operating two versions of the 2024 budget.

Ningi claimed that the N28.7 trillion budget passed by the National Assembly and signed into law by President Bola Tinubu was skewed against the North.

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Following his suspension, he was recalled on May 28 after the Deputy Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro initiated a process, expressing regret on his behalf.

He, however, resumed at the National Assembly on Tuesday after the organized labour suspended its strike.

Addressing the Senate, Ningi expressed appreciation for his recall after spending 75 out of the 90 days suspension period.

Ningi said: “Mr President, Distinguished colleagues, I rise with profound humility to commend the Senate, its President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, the Senate leadership and the minority caucus for recalling me from suspension.

“I was in Turkey when the news got to me last week and I’m very much appreciative of the gesture.

“I’m happy to be back at home because National Assembly is like home to me, having served as House leader, Deputy Senate Leader in the past and now as one of the Distinguished serving senators.

”I also thank my State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, the people of Bauchi State and other Nigerians who reached out to me in one way or the other during the period that has now been put behind.“

Responding, Akpabio said: “Distinguished Senator Abdul Ningi, you are a very resourceful person needed in the 10th Senate. Electorates from Bauchi Central Senatorial District voted you for. You are welcome and let bygone be bygone.”