Senator Ali Ndume has spoken out about his recent removal as the Chief Whip of the Senate, asserting that his actions did not warrant his dismissal.
The Borno South lawmaker made his remarks on Friday in his country home of Maiduguri, 48 hours after his ouster.
Ndume’s removal followed his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In response, the senator has also declined the chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Tourism, citing his lack of experience in the field.
“I did not say anything wrong. And therefore I want to state that I stand by all my statements in the interview I granted,” Ndume insisted.
“So, I know that I’m not wrong. The people are not wrong by speaking the truth and standing by the truth. And I pray that the president who by now, I expect the message should have gotten to him, looks at what I have said and takes appropriate measures to eliminate the suffering of the people.”
The senator, who previously served as the leader in the eighth Senate, emphasized that he never aspired to be the Chief Whip.
He attributed his removal to divine will and expressed no ill feelings towards the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“The party that recommended to the Senate that I should be removed from being the chief whip of the Senate, I take that as an act of God because if it is God who gave me that position. It is God that took it through APC. So, I bear no grudges about that,” Ndume said.
“After all, I did not contest to be the chief whip. I did not contest to be the vice chairman of the appropriation committee. I contested to be one of the Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and God granted me that victory and I’m happy with what God has given to me.”
Ndume declined the chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Tourism, citing his inexperience.
“So, I’m not interested in accepting the committee on tourism for the two reasons I told you,” he explained.
“I told you I’m inexperienced in that. I don’t know anything, I’m not knowledgeable about tourism. So, I would, if any, prefer to remain as an ordinary member so that I can learn about tourism.”
Regarding calls for his resignation from the APC, Ndume stated that he is a founding member of the party and emphasized the importance of consulting his constituents before making any decisions.
“I didn’t join APC just like that. It was in consultation with my people that I joined APC. I take his advice and I will get across to my people,” he said.
The senator also mentioned that he could not speak up immediately after his dismissal due to mourning the death of a family member.
Senator Ndume’s statements highlight his steadfast position and his commitment to his constituents, amidst the political turbulence surrounding his removal as Chief Whip.