The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has said that it watched with keen interest the series of dramatic turns of events in the Nigerian 10th Senate, which led to the suspension of Distinguished Senator Abdul Ningi from the Red Chamber for three months.
In a statement signed by the ACF National Publicity Secretary, Prof.Tukur Muhammad-Baba, ACF explained that Senator Ningi represents Bauchi Central in the 10th Senate and had served as leader of the Northern Caucus of Senators in the Senate until he resigned from same position after the padding saga.
According to the statement, “ACF acknowledges the 10th Senate’s constitutional privilege to determine how it operates or conducts its affairs.
However, ACF expects that exercise of the privilege by the Senate will be hinged strictly and transparently on relevant and necessary provisions in the Constitution relating to the principles of due process and fair hearing.
ACF explained that the whole saga hinged on the rather weighty allegation by weighty allegation earlier made by Senator Ningi, mildly called “budget padding”.
“Senator Ningi, had alleged that as much as the sum of N3.7 trillion is not rather obviously attached to any specific project as it ought to, under the 2024 budget of the Federation passed for implementation,” ACF added.
“ACF does not wish to engage in debate with the Senate. Notwithstanding, the process appeared rushed, with concerns looking more on the messenger rather than his message,” the statement continued.
“ACF notes that the allegation has since been denied by the 10th Senate as lacking in veracity. However, the interests of many communities in Northern Nigeria are at stake. Rather than the route of a rushed suspension of Senator Ningi, ACF prefers a thorough investigation of the allegation by some statutory or ad hoc committee of the Senate.
“ACF regrets that Bauchi Central will be without representation in the 10th Senate for the 3 months, and stands with Senator Ningi and his supporters in whatever constitutional means they seek to respond for a satisfactory denouement to this sad development.”
ACF therefore calls on the 10th Senate to act with more caution and sensitivity in the process of the trial.
