Suspension Of Ningi: You Can’t Be A Judge In Your Case – Northern Youths Tell Akpabio
BY ADEYEMI AKANJI, BAUCHI – The Coalition of Northern Youths and Students Organizations On Thursday demanded that the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio should demonstrate fairness and equity by stepping aside to allow for a thorough and unbiased investigation into the allegation of Budget padding raised by suspended Senator Abdul Ningi.
The coalition said that it was against the rule of natural justice for Akpabio to sit in judgement over an allegation in which he was accused of carrying out some unwholesome activities in the 2024 Budget.
It therefore demanded that Senator Ningi should be given free and fair hearing over allegations he raised with regards to budget padding amounting to about N3 trillion which is not traceable in any of the subheads of the capital budgets for 2024.
The Coalition in a statement issued in Bauchi by its convener, Comrade Zakari Hashim while condemning in strong terms the suspension of Senator Ningi, described the decision of the Senate as “autocratic, unlawful, unilateral, lacking in due process and a fair hearing”, stressing that the action of the Senate clearly threatens the integrity of the nation’s democracy.
The Coalition said; “Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi’s voice regarding allegations of budget padding is a matter of significant concern that warrants thorough investigation.
“We demand the President of the Senate to establish an independent panel to probe these allegations, affording Senator Ningi the opportunity to present his side of the story. It is imperative that he receives a fair trial, rather than being silenced through draconic suspension,” it stressed.
The Coalition therefore issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Senate President to revoke the suspension of Senator Ningi, adding that failure to comply, would resort to the mobilization of the entire Northern states to shut down the Senate complex.
The Coalition of Northern Youths and Students Organization said it is committed to promoting the rights and interests of Nigerians, advocating for justice, fairness, and accountability within the Nigerian political landscape.
