Senator Ali Ndume, representing Southern Borno in the National Assembly, has stressed the importance of speaking truth to President Bola Tinubu when he falls short in his duties to Nigerians.
Ndume also called for prayers to address the nation’s issues of hunger and insecurity, while urging his supporters to stay calm and law-abiding following his removal as Senate Chief Whip.
Ndume accepted his removal, communicated by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) through a letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio last Wednesday.
He accused President Tinubu’s administration of operating a solo government despite widespread hunger and alleged on Arise TV that Tinubu had been isolated by certain forces, hindering his efforts to tackle poverty, insecurity, and other critical issues.
The APC, in a letter read by Akpabio, advised Ndume to resign from the party and consider joining the PDP or another opposition party. Responding to this, Ndume, who was in Maiduguri for his sister-in-law’s funeral, told journalists, “I had wanted to react, but because I was mourning since the day I was illegally removed as chief whip of the senate, I was not able to do so.”
Citing former US President Theodore Roosevelt, Ndume stated, “Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the president or any other public official, save exactly to the degree in which he himself stands by the country.” He added, “I have no regrets about my comments during the Arise TV interview and appreciate the support from Nigerians on social media who echoed my concerns about hunger and insecurity.”
Addressing his removal, Ndume said, “I took it as an act of God. I did not contest to be the chief whip but to represent Southern Borno and Nigeria. I am not desperate for positions. At over 64 years old, I thank God for where I am.”
He also commented on the Senate committee chairmanship on tourism offered to him, saying, “I am not a tourist and have no expertise in tourism. I have not traveled abroad for over 10 years.”
Ndume expressed approval of the newly approved minimum wage of N70,000 by President Tinubu, yet highlighted its insufficiency compared to the high cost of living. On the suggestion to join another party, he reiterated his loyalty to APC, saying, “I am one of the founding members of the APC. The decision to stay or leave will be made by my constituents and supporters.”
Finally, Ndume stated he would not challenge his removal in court, opting instead to leave the matter in God’s hands. He urged Nigerians to continue praying for divine mercy and peace, and to remain calm and law-abiding as the situation evolves.
