The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for the resignation of Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, following allegations of budget padding amounting to N3.7 trillion in the 2024 budget.
The demand came after Senator Abdul Ningi raised concerns about the alleged padding, which he claimed inflated the budget from N25 trillion to N28.7 trillion.
Senator Ningi faced disciplinary action from the Senate, resulting in a three-month suspension, for what the senators deemed an unfounded allegation damaging to the chamber’s reputation.
However, the PDP expressed support for Ningi, criticizing the Senate leadership for suspending him without conducting a thorough investigation into the budget padding allegations.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP demanded Senator Akpabio’s resignation to allow for an independent investigation into the budget padding allegations.
The party also urged Akpabio to report to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding a pending case of alleged looting of N108 billion during his tenure as governor of Akwa Ibom State, as well as the reported N86 billion contract scam in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) during his tenure as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.
The PDP criticized the suspension of Senator Ningi as a move to suppress investigation and conceal facts, calling it a desperate attempt to sweep the issue under the carpet.
The party questioned why the APC leadership in the Senate did not refer the matter to the appropriate Senate Standing Committee for an open investigation in line with Senate rules.
The PDP emphasized the need for accountability and transparency in the polity, expressing concern over the Senate President’s alleged involvement in sleaze and betrayal of public trust.
The party stood with Senator Ningi for his courage in seeking probity and accountability, highlighting the importance of addressing the budget padding allegations to uphold the integrity of the Senate as the highest lawmaking institution in the country.
