The Rebuild Arewa Initiative for Development (RAID) has condemned the Senate’s decision to suspend senator Abdul Ningi, for expressing concern over irregularities in the 2024 budget.
Briefing journalists in Abuja on Friday, the group stood firm in their call for Ningi’s swift and unconditional reinstatement.
The president of the group, Balarabe Rufai, described the senator’s suspension as a matter of great concern.
“It is important to us that we navigate this situation with the utmost respect for all parties involved and for the principles that guide our democracy.
“Today, we will share details on this decision, the reasons behind it, and how we plan to move forward, always with the goal of ensuring the well-being and stability of our nation.
“We appreciate your attention and understanding, and we are open to any questions you may have.
“This suspension extinguished the senator’s esteemed privileges and effectively muted a voice that had become a staple in our political discourse,” he said
They added that his expulsion from the Senate floors is ‘nothing less than a catastrophe, dispossessing us of one of our most potent political mouthpieces.”
“The shockwaves of his suspension have triggered divisive views amongst his peers, with one senator condemning Ningi’s move as a so-called ‘civil coup’ and another calling for a meticulous investigation by the Ethics and Privileges Committee.
“Adding insult to injury, Senator Ningi has been stripped of his emoluments – his salary and allowances withheld, in what appears to be an injustice to his service and commitment,” the group added.
