As the political impasse caused by the alleged budget padding by suspended Senator Abdul Ahmad Ningi rages on, the Coalition of Northern Youths and Students Organisation has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the entire Senate to revoke the suspension of Sen. Abdul Ahmed Ningi.
The group declared that “failure to comply will result in the mobilisation of the entire Northern States to shut down the Senate complex.”
The ultimatum was contained in a statement by the convener, Comrade Zakari Hashim, who also stressed the need for caution and a fair hearing for all the actors concerned.
The press release by the leadership of the Coalition of Northern Youths and Student Organisations was made available to journalists in Bauchi on Thursday.
The group stated that “we unanimously demand that Senator Abdul Ningi be granted a free and fair hearing concerning the allegations of budget padding amounting to N3 trillion, untraceable in any capital budgets of the 2024 appropriation act.”
The Coalition also condemned in strong terms what it described as the “unlawful suspension of Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi by the Nigerian Senate.”
The Coalition therefore stated that “this unilateral action, lacking due process and a fair hearing, is deemed autocratic and threatens the integrity of our democracy.”
According to the Coalition, “Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi’s voice regarding allegations of budget padding is a matter of significant concern that warrants a thorough investigation.”
“We demand the President of the Senate establish an independent committee 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 suspension,” it added.
The Coalition added, Furthermore, we call upon the Senate President to exhibit sportsmanship and accountability by relinquishing his position to allow the Deputy Senate President to form an unbiased investigation committee.”
The Coalition of Northern Youths and Students Organisation is a collective dedicated to promoting the rights and interests of Northern Nigerian youth and students and advocating for justice, fairness, and accountability within the Nigerian political landscape.
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