The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticized the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, over allegations including the passage of a N3.7 trillion budget, the suspension of Senator Abdul Ningi, and the alleged misappropriation of N108 billion from Akwa Ibom State funds during his tenure as Governor.

In response to the suspension of Senator Ningi and the N3.7 trillion budget allegation, the PDP demanded that Akpabio step aside and submit to an independent investigation. The party expressed solidarity with Senator Ningi and urged Akpabio to address the allegations transparently.

The PDP spokesperson, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, called for Akpabio to report to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding the alleged misappropriation of N108 billion. Additionally, the party urged Akpabio to address the reported N86 billion contract scam during his tenure as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.

The PDP condemned Ningi’s suspension by the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership in the Senate, viewing it as an attempt to suppress investigation and conceal facts. The party questioned why the matter was not referred to the appropriate Senate Standing Committee for open investigation.

Furthermore, the PDP criticized the Senate President for presiding over Ningi’s suspension, highlighting concerns over impartiality and the integrity of the Senate.

The party emphasized the need for accountability and transparency in governance, asserting that the allegations against Akpabio undermine the integrity of the Senate and demand thorough investigation.

In conclusion, the PDP reaffirmed its support for Senator Ningi and called for Akpabio to step aside, allowing for an independent investigation into the allegations. The party emphasized the importance of upholding probity and accountability in public office.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the composition of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Civil Service Commission, alongside the appointment of a Head of Service and nine Permanent Secretaries.

This significant development was revealed by Anthony Ogunleye, the Director of Press in the Office of the FCT Minister, in a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja.FCT Minister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, had earlier forwarded the list of nominees to the President for approval.

The appointments align with the provisions of Section 2 (2) (a & b) of the Federal Capital Territory Civil Service Commission (Establishment) Act, 2018, which mandates the appointment of a Chairman and six other members representing each of the geo-political zones of the country.

The appointed Chairman and Commissioners of the FCT Civil Service Commission are as follows: Engr. Emeka Ezeh (Chairman); Hon. Ahmed Mohammed (North West); Chief Anthony Okeah (South-South); Mohammed Magaji Ibrahim (North East); Miskoom Alexander Naantuam (North Central); Hon. Jide Jimoh (South West); and, Barr. Martin Azubike (South East).Additionally, to address existing vacancies in critical agencies of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, the following appointments were made: Abdulkadir Zulkarfi as Coordinator, Satellite Towns Development Department; Chief Felix Obuah as Coordinator, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council; and, Oladiran Olufemi Akindele as Coordinator, Abuja Infrastructure Investment Centre.To bolster the bureaucratic structure of the FCT Administration, Atang Udo Samuel, the most senior Director in the FCT Civil Service, was appointed as Head of the Civil Service of the FCT. Furthermore, some serving Directors of the FCT Civil Service were also appointed as Permanent Secretaries based on competence and geographical spread. They are Dr. Adams Baba Gana – North East, Wanki Adamu Ibrahim – North East; Asmau Muhktar – North West, Dogo Aliyu Wadata Bodinga – North West; Olusa Olusegun – South West, Adetoyi Rabiu Kolawole – South West; Grace Adayilo – North Central, Olubunmi Olowookere – North Central; Ibe Prospect Chukwuemeka – South East and Okonkwo Florence Nornubari – South South”.These appointments underscore Wike’s commitment to implementing all relevant laws regarding the FCT Administration, including the disengagement of the Administration from the Treasury Single Account (TSA).

Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central at the National Assembly, has tendered his resignation as the Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum. This decision comes shortly after his suspension by the Senate over allegations regarding the 2024 budget.

In a letter addressed to the Secretary of the forum, Senator Ningi cited unfolding events in the North and the country at large as reasons for his resignation. His departure from the forum follows a period of controversy surrounding the figures contained in the 2024 Appropriation Act.

Senator Ningi had previously made allegations in an interview with the BBC, claiming that three trillion naira was unjustly inserted into the budget, bringing the total to twenty-five trillion naira. He asserted that these additional funds were not allocated to any specific projects in the document.

The resignation of Senator Ningi from his position as Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum marks another development in the ongoing debate surrounding the budget figures and underscores the impact of his allegations within the Senate and beyond.

Civil rights advocacy group, HURIWA, has strongly criticized the suspension of Senator Abdul Ningi, describing it as a coordinated cover-up and an act of legislative cowardice aimed at stifling allegations of budget padding raised by the lawmaker.

In a statement by HURIWA’s spokesperson, the group asserted that Senator Ningi’s suspension was hastily executed to suppress the weighty allegations he made regarding the padding of the 2024 budget by the National Assembly.

HURIWA condemned the suspension, labeling it a ploy by the National Assembly to conceal its tracks.

HURIWA accused the Senate of deviating from its role as the bastion of civil democracy and behaving like a secret society.

The group lamented the lack of a publicly advertised probe into Senator Ningi’s allegations and criticized the Senate for resorting to legislative blackmail and threats instead of conducting a transparent investigation.

The statement highlighted the rowdy session in the Senate where lawmakers demanded answers from Senator Ningi regarding his claims about the budget. Despite the demand for an open investigation, HURIWA noted that the suspension of Senator Ningi was executed without due process.

HURIWA emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the allegations raised by Senator Ningi and criticized the Senate’s failure to uphold democratic principles.

The group called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to intervene and investigate the funds allocated to INEC for the conduct of elections, as well as the personal financial activities of Professor Yakubu Mahmood and other commissioners.

In conclusion, HURIWA denounced the Senate’s actions as unconstitutional and undemocratic, urging transparency and accountability in the handling of the budget padding allegations.

The group emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that the truth is uncovered for the benefit of the Nigerian public.

Barrister Chukwudi Ezeobika, former National Legal Adviser of the Inter Party Advisory Council of Nigeria (IPAC), has pointed fingers at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the mass exodus of Nigerian youths from the country.

He specifically called for an investigation into the conduct of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the INEC National Chairman, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In a statement to newsmen in Abuja, Barrister Ezeobika accused Professor Yakubu and the INEC commissioners of contributing to the loss of hope among Nigerian youths and their decision to leave the country en masse.

He criticized INEC’s handling of elections, alleging partisanship, misinformation, and deliberate misleading of the electorate.

Ezeobika highlighted various issues, including INEC’s supervision of parallel party primaries, declaration of false or unpopular candidates as winners, and misleading information about election processes such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and IReV.

He emphasized the financial and personal costs incurred due to INEC’s alleged inadequacies, incompetence, and unwholesome activities.

Calling for a thorough investigation, Ezeobika urged the EFCC to probe the funds allocated to INEC for the conduct of elections under Professor Yakubu’s leadership.

He also called for scrutiny of the personal financial activities of Professor Yakubu and the commissioners.

The statement underscores growing concerns about the integrity and effectiveness of Nigeria’s electoral system. With calls for accountability and transparency, the demand for an EFCC investigation reflects the need to restore public trust in the electoral process and ensure that electoral bodies fulfill their mandates in a fair and impartial manner.

In a recent development, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe (Cross River North) has refuted claims of N3.7 trillion padding in the 2024 budget.

This clarification comes alongside the Senate’s exoneration of Senate President Godswill Akpabio from any wrongdoing.

Chairing the Senate Committee on Gas, Senator Jarigbe dismissed the purported N3.7 trillion padding as false, emphasizing the importance of protecting the integrity of the Senate.

During a plenary session addressing the alleged padding, the Senate reiterated that only N28.7 trillion was passed in the budget.

Senator Jarigbe affirmed that there was no evidence of such padding, expressing satisfaction with the explanation provided by the Senate Committee on Appropriation.

He urged fellow senators to uphold the sanctity and integrity of the Senate, cautioning against actions that could tarnish its reputation.

Moreover, Senator Jarigbe highlighted disparities in project allocation among senators, noting that while some received additional projects in their districts, others, like himself, did not benefit from such incentives. This observation underscores the need for fairness and transparency in budgetary allocations to ensure equitable development across all constituencies.

The Senate’s swift response to address the allegations and clear the air regarding the budget padding demonstrates its commitment to accountability and transparency in governance. As lawmakers continue to fulfill their legislative duties, maintaining the integrity of the Senate remains paramount in promoting public trust and confidence in government processes.