A large group of Borno State indigenes gathered at the Unity Fountain, Abuja on Wednesday to protest against the Senate’s decision to remove Senator Ali Ndume (APC Borno South) as Senate Chief Whip.
The protesters held placards with messages such as “We stand against Ndume’s removal as Senate Whip,” “Ndume’s statements benefit the country,” and “Senate should rectify the injustice towards Senator Ndume,” among others.
Last week, the Senate, based on a request from the APC National Working Committee conveyed via a joint letter from National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru, replaced Ndume with Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC Borno North) as the new Whip.
Expressing their dissatisfaction with the Senate’s action, the Borno group represented by the Southern Borno Development Association and led by Muhammad Biu demanded justice for Ndume.
In a letter titled “Appeal over Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume’s Removal as Senate Whip for Expressing Views on Critical National Issues,” the group leader read a statement to the media urging the reversal of the decision.
Addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the letter appealed for reconsideration of the APC Senate Caucus resolution that ousted Ndume from his positions, emphasizing that Ndume’s remarks on food insecurity were not intended to criticize the Tinubu administration but to draw attention to urgent issues.
The letter emphasized Ndume’s commitment to the party and his constructive contributions to governance and urged the Senate to utilize its internal mechanisms for conflict resolution.
Highlighting the severity of the food crisis in Nigeria and Ndume’s patriotic actions, the letter called for fairness, justice, and equity in reinstating Ndume to his roles.
The letter also urged APC leader President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to intervene in the matter, citing his democratic principles as essential for resolving the issue.