News
Just in: Senate to reconsider Ningi’s suspension on resumption today
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Senate may reconsider Senator Abdul Ningi’s suspension, which was imposed after he alleged that the Red Chamber “padded” the 2024 Budget with N3.7 trillion as lawmakers resume today.
Naijablitznews recalls Ningi was suspended for three months for claiming during a BBC Hausa Service interview that the National Assembly padded the budget.
Ningi, represented legally by Femi Falana SAN, had issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, demanding his recall or facing legal consequences.
In response, Akpabio clarified that Ningi’s suspension was not solely his decision but a collective action by 108 out of 109 senators, who felt their integrity was undermined.
Speaking during a media parley in Abuja on Monday, the Senate spokesman, Yemi Adaramodu, said Ningi’s case would be considered based on its merits when the Senate reconvened on Tuesday after plenary break.
Adaramodu emphasised that any decision regarding Ningi’s recall would involve the entire Senate during plenary.
He clarified that the suspension was not a unilateral action by Akpabio but a decision taken collectively by 108 senators, excluding Ningi himself.
He said, “109 senators except Senator Ningi now decided that Senator Ningi would be given a light disciplinary declaration which gave him a three-month suspension from parliamentary activities. So, it is only the 108 senators who took that action that can call Senator Ningi back.
“We have been on plenary break for about four weeks. So, when we resume tomorrow (Tuesday), as the case may be, he’s our colleague, if he makes a plea, then the senators will now look at it and then we take it on the merit of it.
“When we were not in the chamber, there have been so many insinuations, there has been a report that a letter has been written by the counsel to Senator Ningi compelling the Senate President to recall Senator Ningi within seven days.
“And then when I was asked a question I said, it’s not a matter of Senator Ningi versus Senator Akpabio. It’s Senator Ningi versus the rest of the senators. So, it is not Senator Akpabio, though our president, who took the action unilaterally and solely to suspend Senator Ningi.”
Adaramodu stated that there is no basis for comparing Senator Abdul Ningi’s suspension to that of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege during the 8th Senate.
By Gloria Ikibah
As part of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the House of Representatives is set to lead a historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024, in a bold effort to tackle gender-based violence (GBV) in the country.
The march, which begins at 8:00 AM, will see over 1,000 participants, including lawmakers and members of the public walk from the National Assembly to the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja. The event will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action against GBV and greater protection for vulnerable groups.
Speaking about the initiative, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD., GCON, said, “This march and the activities that follow are not mere gestures but a reflection of our determination to confront gender-based violence head-on. We are committed to building a society where justice, equality, and safety prevail for all Nigerians.”
In a statement by the House Spokesperson, Rep. Akin Rotimi on Saturday in Abuja, he said, “The 10th House of Representatives has reaffirmed its commitment to systemic reforms, collaboration, and accountability in the fight against gender-based violence.
“In addition to the march, the House has outlined key activities in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023–2027) to sustain awareness and action throughout the campaign period.
“Sash Demonstration Ceremony – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
“Convergence of State Assembly Speakers – Monday, December 9, 2024. A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative measures for combating GBV nationwide.
“National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 – Tuesday, December 10, 2024. The summit will focus on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives led by the House of Representatives”.
Naijablitznews.com reports that this year’s 16 Days of Activism aims to galvanise nationwide efforts and inspire collective action to protect human rights, ensure justice, and create a safer, more equitable Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu has departed Galeao Air force Basa (SBGL) Airport, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, for Abuja after attending the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The President is due to arrive at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10.00 p.m. (Nigerian time).
President Tinubu had attended the G20 Leaders summit where he endorsed the global alliance against hunger and poverty, which he said was pivotal.
The President also held bilateral talks with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who commended his administration’s economic reforms and their positive indicators.
He also presided over the signing of a 2.5 billion dollar Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government and the JBS S.A., a Brazilian company and one of the top three largest meat processing companies in the World.
The president was accompanied in the trip by senior government officials including the minister of foreign affairs yusuf Tuggar, the national security adviser, Nuhu RIBADU and many others.
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