To: The Nigerian Senate,
The Gidan Yanci Fellowship, is a group of young Nigerians actively working to drive positive change and strengthen Nigerian Democracy through ensuring freedom of expression, political participation, and governance reform.
Date: 13, March, 2024
The Gidan Yanci Fellowship expresses deep concern regarding the recent situation involving Senator Abdul Ningi and the alleged irregularities in the 2024 national budget.
We believe a functional democracy demands both due process and unwavering transparency. Senator Ningi’s accusations, if true, represent a grave breach of public trust. Conversely, suspending him without a comprehensive investigation and opportunity to defend his claims raises concerns about stifling dissent.
Therefore, we urge the Nigerian Senate to:
- Expeditiously initiate an independent and transparent investigation into the alleged budget discrepancies. This probe should involve qualified auditors and be conducted with the utmost impartiality.
- Ensure Senator Ningi is afforded a fair hearing to present evidence and address the accusations.
- Publicly communicate the findings of the investigation regardless of the outcome.
Nigerians deserves a government that prioritizes transparency and accountability. Suppressing allegations without proper investigation sets a dangerous precedent and weakens the pillars of a healthy democracy.
The Gidan Yanci Fellowship Kano calls upon the Nigerian public to actively participate in safeguarding democracy:
- Demand clear explanations from their elected officials: contact your Senators directly through phone calls, emails, or letters expressing your concerns and demanding a thorough investigation.
- Stay informed and engaged: Follow credible news sources and attend town hall meetings or public forums organized by your representatives.
- Hold representatives accountable: Vote in upcoming elections and support candidates with a proven track record of transparency and good governance.
By working together, we, the Nigerian people can ensure our democracy thrives on the foundations of transparency, accountability, and the unhindered pursuit of the truth.
Sincerely,
The Gidan Yanci Fellowship Kano.