Former Senate Chief Whip, Senator Ali Ndume, has refused his new appointment as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tourism.
Ndume was given this position by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, following his removal as chief whip of the 10th National Assembly. This decision came from the leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), who were unhappy with Ndume’s recent criticisms of President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking about his removal, the former chief whip said he had no regrets. He mentioned that he was not desperate for the position and was even begged to accept the Chief Whip role due to his support for Akpabio becoming Senate President. He had originally chosen to be Vice Chairman of the Appropriation Committee.
Ndume declined the new position as Chairman of the Tourism Committee for two reasons: he is not interested in tourism and lacks knowledge about it.
“I learnt that I was given the Chairman of Tourism Committee; nobody wrote to me, but I want state here clearly that I decline this offer for two reasons; I am not a tourist so I am not interested in accepting the Chairman on Tourism. I am not knowledgeable about Tourism,” he said.
He also urged President Tinubu to address the issues he raised, stating that people are hungry and angry.
Ndume stated that it is patriotic to speak the truth, even if it means criticising the President. He said leaders in the country need to reassess their actions and listen to the concerns of the people.
“It is unpatriotic to stand by Mr President with whatever he does, it is patriotic to speak the truth not only to the President but anybody for that matter. It unpatriotic not to speak the truth to power or anybody and still stand by that.
“In doing so, it is also worthy to note that in Hausa language (Allah ya na tare da mai gaskiya) meaning that God is always on the side of truthful people.
“I know I am not wrong; the people are not wrong by speaking the truth and by standing by the truth. I expect the president who I believe that the report has gotten to him to look into what I have said and take appropriate measures to alleviate the suffering.
“People are not happy, people are suffering and angry. Leaders in this country need to take a review; they should get back to me to tell me whether I said anything that is not true or is wrong.
“It is God that gave me that position and it is God that took it, so I bear no grudge against anyone. Afterall, I didn’t contest to be the Chief Whip, I didn’t contest to be the Vice Chairman appropriation committee, I contested to be the senator of Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Alhamdulillah, God granted me victory and I am with God,” he said.