In a letter sent to Senate President Godswill Akpabio last Wednesday, Mohammed Ali Ndume, the Chief Whip of the Senate who was recently removed by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress, said he accepted the decision.
In an interview with Arise TV last Thursday, Senator Ndume, who represents Borno South, claimed that Tinubu was being kept in check by certain forces and voiced concerns about the lack of meaningful action taken by Tinubu to address issues such as hunger, poverty, and insecurity.
Tinubu was accused of running a solo government despite widespread hunger.
The APC, in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, also invited Ndume to resign from the party and join the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, or any other opposition party.
But Ndume, who was in Maiduguri and grieved over the death of his sister-in-law, broke his silence to journalists at his home on Friday after the Third Day Funeral prayers.
What they’re saying
He stated, “I had wanted to react, but because I have been in grief since the day I was illegally removed as Chief Whip of the Senate, I now believe it is appropriate to do so.
” I am a Democrat, a realist, and someone who always tells the truth, regardless of who gets hurt.
“According to former US President Theodore Roosevelt, ‘Patriotism means to stand by your nation. It does not imply supporting the president or any other public leader except in the same way as he supports the country. It is patriotic to support him as long as he effectively serves the country.
“It is unpatriotic not to resist him to the point where he fails to fulfil his obligation to serve the country, whether via incompetence or otherwise. In either case, failing to tell the truth, whether regarding the president or anyone else, is unpatriotic.
“As a result, I have no regrets about what I said during my interview with Arise TV, and I applaud those Nigerians who rushed to their social media platforms and groups to issue press statements in support of my comments about excruciating hunger and insecurity under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Secondly, the NWC of our great party, the APC, recommended to the Senate that I should be removed, which they did.
I took that as an Act of God, because it is God who gave me that mandate as Chief Whip, so I bear no grudges about what happened; after all, I do not contest the position of Chief Whip or Vice Chairman of the Appropriation Committee.
“Rather, I contested to become a senator representing Southern Borno and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“So it is not that I am desperate; I am over 64 years old, and I thank God. As for the Chairman Senate Committee on Tourism’s offer to me, I would like to state that I am not a tourist and am not good at tourism.
“As it is, I have spent over ten years without visiting any foreign countries; I have never been to the United Kingdom, and the only time I visited the United States of America was while I was in school. “I was pleased yesterday when the President approved a minimum wage of N70,000. It’s a positive move, but the minimum salary remains low when compared to a 50kg bag of rice, which costs more than N70,000.
“On the advices that I am free to join the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, or any political party of my choice , I would want to repeat that I am a founding member of the All Progressives Congress.The people of my constituency and their supporters will determine whether I stay in the APC, join another party, or leave politics.
“Whatever their advise is, I will cooperate with them. “On whether I will take the matter to Court, I want to say that, I will not go to Court, I surrendered my case to Almighty Allah (God)” . Ndume stated.
Thoughts
His critique of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, particularly regarding issues of hunger, poverty, and insecurity, highlights significant concerns that many Nigerians share. By voicing these criticisms publicly, Ndume positions himself as a vocal advocate for accountability and good governance.
This could enhance his standing among constituents who feel neglected or dissatisfied with the current state of affairs.
The APC’s invitation for Ndume to join an opposition party, coupled with his firm stance on remaining with the party unless advised otherwise by his constituents, demonstrates the tension within the party and the broader political landscape.
His reference to Theodore Roosevelt also shows his belief in the duty to hold leaders accountable, regardless of party loyalty.
Bottom Line
He urged his followers and other Nigerians to keep praying for God to spare the people, bring about peace in the nation, and maintain their composure and adherence to the law throughout this ordeal.
