Nigerian Senate should not be subjected to whimps and caprices of an individual – Ali Ndume

The Senate as an institution should not be subjected to the whims and caprices of an individual, the former Senate Leader Ali Ndume said on Wednesday in reaction to his removal from the exalted legislative office by the Senate caucus of the ruling party the All Progressive Congress (APC).

Senate President Bukola Saraki announced the removal of Ndume as the Senate Leader just before the Senate adjourned on Tuesday.

Ndume’s removal and consequent replacement with Senator Ahmed Lawan was demanded by the APC caucus via the letter read by Saraki.

After his removal on Tuesday, Ndume said he was removed for insisting that the Senate did not follow the proper procedure before declaring that it had rejected the nomination of Ibrahim Magu as head of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Ndume said he insisted that in view of the Senate’s standard procedures and practice, Magu had not been rejected by the Senate because there was no confirmation hearing for the nominee to defend claims made against him.

On Wednesday, his first day as a floor member since the 8th Senate was convened in June 2015, Ndume stepped out of the chamber to talk to Nigerian Television Authority.

During the interview he stressed that the Senate should not be subjected to the whims and caprices of one individual.

“The Senate as an institution should not be subjected to the whims and caprices of any individual who is one among the equal,” the Borno politician said.

Ndume was subtly directing his remarks at Saraki with whom he had collaborated to defy the party leadership in the National Assembly leadership elections of June 9, 2015.

Interestingly, Ndume’s successor as Senate Leader, Mr. Lawan, was the choice of the APC leadership to clinch the Senate Presidency.

Ndume is understood to believe his ouster was instigated by Saraki, his erstwhile ally, for insisting on Magu’s confirmation as substantive EFCC Chairman.

Earlier at Wednesday’s plenary, Ndume expressed surprise at how he was removed but added he had satisfaction the development was not because he was found wanting.

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“That’s why I’m concerned about the loss of confidence. As far as I know, I did not do anything wrong” said Ndume.

“Thank God that during my service as the senate leader, most of my colleagues will say ‘leader we are proud of you’.

“Because of the unity of this Senate, three times I offered to resign, if that is the case but I believe God’s time is the best.

“It’s me today and it is OK. It may be, God forbid, Ike Ekweremadu tomorrow. I wish my brother the new Senate leader best of luck. We have been struggling for this for a long time and I wish you the best of grace in the service of this important institution.”

Senator Kabiru Marafa then rose to say Ndume’s removal by the APC caucus was lawful.