Ndume goes the way of Jibrin, suspended for 6 months (Updated)

Former Senate leader Ali Ndume has fallen into troubled waters with his colleagues, and has been suspended for six months.

The suspension takes immediate effect and will last for 181 days.

This puts him in the same shoes as former Appropriations committee chairman, Abdumumini Jibrin who was also suspended when he accused lawmakers of padding the 2016 budget.

Ndume, was suspended, for a period of six months over claims that his allegations against the Senate President, Bukola Saraki and Dino Melaye, were false.

Reading the report of the Senate committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, its chairman, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, recommended that Ndume be suspended for 181 legislative calendar days. That translates to about one year.

Anyanwu read: “This story was cooked up with the intent to embarrass the Senate President, the Senate and by extension, the National Assembly. The complainant did not conduct due diligence before bringing the matter to the floor of the Senate.

“As a former Senate Leader and a ranking Senator, he was expected to have weighed the consequences, of the allegation and carefully investigated it before presenting it.

“Having failed to cross-check facts before presentation at plenary, he could not be said to be a patriotic representative of the Senate, and should be penalized to serve as deterrent to others.

“After due consideration of the matter as revealed by different parties to the case, the committee recommends as follows.

“We recommend that the Senate do suspend Mohammed Ali Ndume for bringing Senator Dino Melaye, his colleague and the institution of the Senate to unbearable disrepute at this time of our national life, when caution, patriotism, careful consideration and diligence should be our watchword.

“The suspension is with immediate from today, 29th of March, 2017 to last for 181 legislative days.”

But proposing an amendment, which was carried by the Senate, Senator Matthew Urhoghide, suggested that the suspension period be reduced to six months. The amendment was carried by the Senate.

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“My colleagues, I want to suggest that we reduce the period of suspension for Ali Ndume. In December, he was the Senate Leader. Let us reduce it for him. I suggest that we reduce it a period not more than six months,” Urhoghide said.

The suspension takes immediate effect and will elapse on the 29th of September, 2017. Ndume was not on the floor of the Senate when the decision was taken by lawmakers.

President of the Senate, Saraki, did not preside during the consideration of the report. Instead, he excused himself and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu presided over the proceeding.

Lawmakers, predominantly from the north, who spoke on the issue, kicked against the suspension. Rather, they opted for the reprimand option. In their separate remarks, they suggested that Ndume be compelled to tender an apology, failure to take heed, he can be suspended.

Senator Joshua Lidani from Gombe State, moved an amendment motion to that effect. His motion was defeated when it was subjected to a voice vote by Senator Ekweremadu.

Senator Anyanwu-led Ethics committee, has also absorbed the Senate President, Saraki and Melaye of any wrongdoing.

The clean bill of health is sequel to submissions made by the Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Professor Ibrahim Garba that Melaye is a bonifide graduate of the institution.

Saraki, was also absorbed by Lanre Shittu, who told the Ethics committee that he handled the transaction of the bullet proof Range Rover Sport vehicle, valued at about N62.5 million.

Ndume, had last week, called for the investigation of Saraki and Melaye over the face-off with the Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) and certificate forgery allegation leveled against Melaye.

Ndume could not be reached for comments. He was not in the office when Senate Correspondents visited. His mobile phone number has also been switched off.

By Ehisuan Odia

 

 

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