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Senator Abdul Ningi
By Akanji Alowolodu, Bauchi
The current National Assembly dominated by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) members has been criticized for being too soft on national issues and not putting up challenge to the presidency on wrong doings at the detriment of good democratic governance opining that, the 9th National Assembly is controlled by the presidency.
The criticism was made by a chieftain of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bauchi state and former Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi while speaking at a Bauchi Central senatorial zone PDP stakeholders meeting held at the Command Guest House, Bauchi,
The former Deputy Senate Leader also pointed out that, the APC led Federal Government has destabilized the National Assembly by making it to be so loyal to the President noting that, the National Assembly must be independent for the best interest of Nigerians.
According to him, “This is the first time in the history of the National Assembly where lawmakers are not challenging the presidency despite the numerous challenges facing the country. I can’t be a Senator and be silent on national issues especially at this time when our country is in critical condition of hardship caused by the APC Government.”
He cited the example of what happened before the 2003 general elections when the then PDP dominated National Assembly commenced impeachment process against then President, Olusegun Obasanjo who was in the same PDP with them.
According to him,”President Olusegun Obasanjo was adjudged to have breached the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and we did not hesitate to commence impeachment proceedings against him despite the fact that we belonged to the same political party”.
He opined that a robust, strong and active National Assembly is needed to always positively challenge the presidency for good governance in line with the Constitutional provision of check and balance among the three organs of democracy.
Abdul Ningi further stated that, he believes that the call on him to contest the 2023 Bauchi Central senatorial seat was informed by his good leadership qualities exhibited while in the national assembly, adding that the people enjoyed his tenure and that was the reason they want him back to the Senate in 2023.
He expressed gratitude to Bauchi Central senatorial zone PDP stakeholders for their endorsement and assured them of an effective and good representation which it is lacking at the moment.
He said that, “I called this meeting to tell you that I am ready to do everything possible to keep the party alive no matter what, everything is set for PDP to stand election come 2023 in order to consolidate on providing services to people”.
“For more than 2 years now, people have been calling on me to come out to aspire for a return to the Senate but I have been dodgy. I have stood elections 9 times out of which I have won 7.”
