‘I Stand By My Statement’, Ndume Breaks Silence Over Removal As Senate Chief Whip

Borno South Senator, Mohammed Ali Ndume, has finally spoken out regarding his removal as the Chief Whip of the Senate, asserting that his actions did not justify the action against him.

In an interview at his native Borno State, Ndume expressed his inability to address the issue immediately due to the mourning of a family member’s death.

LEADERSHIP recalls that Ndume was ousted from his position following his criticism of President Bola Tinubu administration’s handling of state of the nation, especially high cost of living.

Despite the development, the Borno South lawmaker maintained that his comments were insufficient grounds for his removal as Senate principal officer.

“I stand by my statement. My actions did not warrant such a drastic measure,” Ndume stated.

Ndume also revealed that he has declined the chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Tourism as announced by the Senate President Godswill Akpabio, citing his lack of experience and exposure necessary to lead such a sensitive group.

“I never sought to be the Senate Whip after my tenure as the leader in the eighth Senate. I was given the opportunity to choose which committee to serve as vice chairman after successfully leading the campaigns that resulted in Godwill Akpabio’s emergence as Senate President,” Ndume explained.

When questioned about calls for his resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ndume emphasised his foundational role in the party. “I am a founding member of the APC. I was among the 22 Senators from the PDP who formed the APC when the current national chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, was a deputy governor in Kano State,” he asserted.

Ndume concluded by stating that he would consult his constituents before making any further decision regarding his future in the ruling APC.