The recent suspension of Senator Abdul Ningi by the Senate has sparked considerable controversy, particularly due to its failure to address the critical issues he raised regarding the alleged padding of the 2024 budget.   It's evident that threatening the lives of whistleblowers has become a systemic practice among Nigerian leaders. The act of ganging up and intimidating whistleblowers is deeply concerning and goes against democratic principles.     The so-called constituency projects in Nigeria have long been seen as channels for siphoning the country's resources and fostering corruption. It's widely known that members of the National Assembly often initiate and benefit from these projects, directly or indirectly. Many of these projects are either poorly executed or not executed at all.   The National Assembly's inner circle has been likened to one of the most corrupt factions within Nigeria's governance system. Members allegedly allocate allowances for staff and offices they don't actually have, contributing to a culture of corruption that demands scrutiny.     The decision to suspend Senator Abdul Ningi should be promptly reversed until the issues he raised are thoroughly investigated. Despite his suspension, Senator Ningi remains steadfast in his allegations, garnering support from various quarters, including the Executive and civic society groups like Budgit.   The revelation that the budget was padded by N1.2 trillion, as acknowledged by the Executive, raises serious concerns about transparency and accountability in governance. Additionally, Budgit's assertion that approximately N3.7 trillion lacks detailed project allocations in the 2024 Appropriation Act underscores the need for clarity and proper oversight.   Education is a central aspect of this discussion, given its crucial role in human resource development. With approximately 20 million out-of-school children in Nigeria, the misallocation of such significant funds is alarming. Redirecting these resources towards education, health, and poverty alleviation could greatly impact the nation's development trajectory and mitigate socio-economic challenges, including criminality.     The urgency to curb wastage and ensure the prudent utilization of public funds cannot be overstated, particularly amidst widespread hardship. Every penny of public funds should serve the public good, contributing to the realization of a better Nigeria. Addressing the concerns raised by Senator Ningi and other stakeholders is essential to restoring public trust and advancing national development goals.