Budget Padding: Shehu Sani Reveals Why Many Senators Are Mute Over N3.7 Trn

Former lawmaker Shehu Sani has shared insights into why many senators may be reluctant to comment on the allegations raised by Bauchi Central Senator Abdul Ningi and the subsequent suspension.

“Ningi’s claim that the Senate is attempting to silence or arrest him for exposing the N3.7 trillion budget padding has created a contentious atmosphere,” Sani remarked.

In a recent interview, Ningi alleged that projects worth N3.7 trillion in the 2024 budget were untraceable, leading to his suspension by the Senate for three months.

While Senate President Godswill Akpabio advocated for a fair hearing, the Senate eventually suspended Ningi after deliberations.

Speaking on Arise TV post-suspension, Ningi emphasized the magnitude of the situation, stating, “Neither I nor the Senate can control the can of worms I have opened.”

Sani, reflecting on senators’ silence, commented on X, saying, “It’s either your Senator is on the side of Akpabio or on the side of Ningi. The Senators who maintain silence are either afraid of the public or afraid of suspension.”