In the aftermath of Senator Abdul Ningi's recent comments on the 2024 budget, Senators from the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have swiftly distanced themselves from his claims. Operating under the umbrella of the Northern Senators Forum (NSF), these senators collectively asserted that Ningi's statements were his personal opinions, and sentiments, and, unfortunately, skewed, incorrect, and misleading.
Senator Ningi, who also serves as the chairman of the forum, had raised eyebrows with his assertions that the Federal Government was managing two versions of the 2024 budget. The Presidency promptly refuted these claims, leading to a public disavowal from his Northern Senate colleagues.
In a comprehensive statement released on Monday, the NSF clarified its position, emphasizing that at no time did they convene a meeting or mandate Senator Ningi to address the press on the matter. The forum highlighted that the budget underwent a standard legislative process, presented to the National Assembly during a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on November 29, 2023.
The NSF reiterated that both chambers diligently debated, processed, and passed the proposed budget of N27.5 trillion, a figure presented by President Tinubu. Following their assessment and adjustments to appropriations for various ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), the final budget stood at N28.7 trillion, receiving the President's assent.
Contrary to Senator Ningi's assertion of a N25 trillion budget, the NSF firmly clarified that there was no budget padding. They deemed Ningi's claims as personal opinions, diverging from the collective stance of the Northern Senators.
The senators expressed their unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, reiterating their commitment to collaborating across ethnic lines to address the challenges facing Nigeria. The statement underscored the need for unity and collaboration to foster prosperity in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
In conclusion, the NSF emphatically dissociated themselves from Senator Ningi's actions, deeming them "grossly unparliamentary." Their unified front reflects a commitment to national progress and dismissal of ethnic sentiments, emphasizing collaboration with colleagues from the southern part of the country for the collective benefit of all citizens.
As the Northern Senators Forum stands behind President Tinubu, their pledge to work collaboratively echoes a broader vision for a prosperous Nigeria, transcending regional divides. The disowning of Senator Ningi's comments serves as a testament to the senators' commitment to clarity, accuracy, and a unified approach to addressing the critical issues facing the nation.
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Nigerian Politics