The Senate has recalled Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi from suspension.
Ningi, who represents Bauchi central was suspended on March 12, 2024, for accusing the Senate of budget padding.
He was recalled some two weeks to the end of his three-month suspension which is supposed to terminate on June 12, 2024.
On Tuesday, the recall process was initiated after a motion moved by Deputy Minority Leader Sen. Abba Moro, who expressed regret on behalf of the suspended senator.
Moro pledged to assume full responsibility for Ningi’s actions, acknowledging the gravity of the suspension.
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, announced the unconditional recall of Ningi after a brief plea by some lawmakers.
In an interview granted to the BBC, Ningi had said projects worth N3.7 trillion were untraceable in the 2024 budget.
The allegation had triggered a backlash as Nigerians raised many questions for the lawmakers.
Akpabio, while reacting to the allegations by Ningi, said many Nigerians would no longer trust the senate because of the allegation.
“Nigerians are bashing the senate. Many Nigerians will never in future come back to respect this chamber. The integrity of this chamber has been totally damaged and we wanted you to repair it with your speech,” he had said.
After interrogating him at plenary, Ningi was accused of mischief and suspended for three months.