In a significant move, the Senate has removed Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, from his position as Chief Whip. Senator Tahir Monguno, from Borno North, has been appointed as his replacement. This decision follows a request from the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) due to Ndume’s critical comments about President Bola Tinubu.
Background of the Removal
The APC NWC, in a letter co-signed by National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru, expressed their dissatisfaction with Ndume’s behavior. They accused him of making unfounded and damaging criticisms against the federal government and the APC, particularly targeting President Tinubu. The NWC described Ndume’s actions as harmful to the government’s image and detrimental to the party’s unity.
The letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio highlighted specific instances where Ndume’s comments were considered inappropriate. It mentioned an appearance on Arise Television where Ndume referred to the Tinubu administration as being run by thieves. The NWC argued that such comments from a senior member of the Senate undermine the government’s efforts and set a poor example for others.
Senate’s Response and Replacement
After reading the letter, Senate President Akpabio put the NWC’s request to a voice vote among the APC senators, who unanimously accepted the decision. Ndume was stripped of his position as Chief Whip and his role as Vice Chairman of the Appropriation Committee. He has been reassigned as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tourism.
Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire from Ondo Central has been appointed as the new Chair of the Judiciary and Legal Matters Committee, replacing Monguno.
Civil Society Organization’s Reaction
A Civil Society Organization, The Democratic Front (TDF), has supported the Senate’s decision. In a statement co-signed by its Chairman Danjuma Muhammad and Secretary Wale Adedayo, the TDF criticized Ndume’s controversial remarks, which they believe could incite unrest. The organization praised the APC’s swift action to replace Ndume and suggested his expulsion from the party for disloyalty.
Moving Forward
The APC has urged its members to maintain decorum in their public statements. The party emphasized that the position of Chief Whip is crucial for maintaining party discipline and unity. The new Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno, is expected to uphold the party’s values and support the federal government effectively.
This development marks the second time Ndume has been removed from a principal officer position in the Senate, having previously been ousted as Senate Leader in 2017 under Senator Bukola Saraki’s leadership.
The Senate and the APC hope that this change will reinforce party unity and strengthen the support for President Tinubu’s administration, ensuring a cohesive approach to governance and policy implementation.
