The former lawmaker for Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Shehu Sani, says the National Assembly’s integrity is at stake.
Senator Sani’s comment is coming in the wake of the budget padding allegation tearing the National Assembly apart.
Last weekend, Senator Abdul Ningi from Bauchi Central claimed that his colleagues in the Red Chambers padded the 2024 budget by N3.7 trillion.
This did not go down well with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who suspended Senator Ningi at a heated session on Tuesday.
But Senator Sani told Nigeria Info on the daybreak show, Morning Crossfire, on Wednesday that budget padding is common in the National Assembly.
“Budgets are padded with some projects being added by members of the National Assembly or in cahoot with the executive government,” Senator Sani told Kofi Bartels on Morning Crossfire.
“Ningi; he has said what everybody knows in the Senate: that padding has been part and parcel of the culture of the National Assembly,” he continued.
“When you blow such a whistle, the integrity, the reputation, and the honor of the National Assembly is at stake.”
Senator Sani, however, said it was now up to Senator Ningi to back up his accusation with proof.
“If you are going to raise any issue about corruption, it is required of you to know that you are dealing with highly enlightened people who are also elected by their own persons. You should be able to back it up,” said Senator Sani.
In addition, the former lawmaker and civil rights activist advised Senator Ningi to be mindful of what he says as people are waiting to pull him down.
He pointed out that several people were interested in his (Ningi’s) position in the Senate.
Senator Ningi’s suspension will last for three months.
