Following the suspension of Senator Ali Ndume (APC-Borno), the governor of Borno state, Kashim Shettima, the state’s caucus in the National Assembly, as well as some traditional rulers paid a visit to Senate President Bukola Saraki to plead with him to facilitate the lifting of the suspension.
According to PUNCH, a source who was present at the meeting said:
It is likely that Ndume will be recalled. During the meeting – I was there in person – the governor specifically pleaded with Saraki to ensure that Ndume was recalled. He made the request based on personal recognition. The governor told Saraki that being his close friend and ally, the Senate President should help fast track Ndume’s return to the chamber.
The governor explained that the plan was to see Saraki alone but other leaders and lawmakers in Borno insisted on joining the train to plead with Saraki over Ndume. They really pleaded for Ndume.
It is not a decision the Senate President can take alone. It is the decision of the whole chamber and the caucuses. He will have to talk to the caucuses.
Ndume had called on the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions to investigate the alleged certificate scandal involving Senator Dino Melaye (APC-Kogi).
He had also called on the committee to look into the allegation that a bulletproof Range Rover car reportedly owned by Saraki was impounded by Customs.
The Committee, in its report to the Upper Chamber, cleared Saraki and Melaye of all allegations, and recommended that Ndume be sacked for not “conducting due diligence” before asking that Saraki and Melaye be investigated.
Recall that Ndume was sacked as the leader of the Senate last year following a resolution by the APC caucus in the Upper Chamber.
