“PDP Supports Ningi, Calls for Akpabio’s Resignation Over Alleged Budget Padding”

PDP Calls for Independent Probe into N3.7 Trillion Budget AllegationThe People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is urging an independent investigation into the alleged insertion of N3.7 trillion into the 2024 budget for projects that do not exist. The party is also demanding that Senate President Godswill Akpabio steps aside immediately to ensure a fair investigation process.Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, made these demands public in Abuja on Wednesday. The party is adamant about ensuring transparency and accountability in government spending.Ologunagba emphasized, “Furthermore, the Senate President should speak out on the reported N86 billion contract scam in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) during his tenure as the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.”The PDP strongly condemns the suspension of Senator Abdul Ningi by the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership in the Senate without a thorough inquiry into the issue of budget padding, which he raised. The party views this suspension as an attempt to suppress investigation and hide the facts.“Why did the APC leadership in the Senate not refer the matter to the appropriate Senate Standing Committee for an open investigation in line with the extant Rules of the Senate? What is the APC Senate leadership afraid of and what is it hiding from Nigerians?” Ologunagba questioned.He expressed concern over the Senate President’s involvement in the matter, stating, “It is even more absurd that instead of recusing himself, the Senate President sat as a judge in the matter; a situation that has the capacity to bring the institution of the Senate to further public disrepute.”The PDP spokesperson highlighted the need for accountability, especially regarding public funds meant for the welfare of citizens. He emphasized, “Nigerians can now see why the APC leadership in the National Assembly, especially in the Senate continues to condone the unbridled looting of public resources including funds meant for palliatives for poor and vulnerable citizens.”The PDP stands with Senator Ningi for his courage in seeking probity and accountability in the political landscape. The party insists on the Senate President stepping aside to allow for an impartial investigation into the budget padding allegation. Additionally, they demand that Akpabio clears his name at the EFCC regarding the alleged looting of N108 billion and N86 billion during his tenures as Governor of Akwa Ibom State and Minister of Niger Delta Affairs respectively.In conclusion, Ologunagba emphasized, “What Nigerians expect at this moment is for the Senate President to come clean by stepping aside, allowing for an independent investigation into the budget padding allegation as well as clearing his name at the EFCC over alleged looting of N108 billion and N86 billion under his watch as Governor of Akwa Ibom State and Minister of Niger Delta Affairs respectively.”