Speaking while addressing journalists at the National Assembly
after his resumption on Wednesday, former Senate Majority Leader, Ali
Ndume, opened up on why he headed to court to seek judicial ruling on
his suspension, saying his action was beyond a personal struggle but a
fight for democracy.
Recall that the Senate had on March 30, suspended Ndume for calling
on the Senate to investigate public allegations of impropriety against
the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and another senator, Dino Melaye.
However in September, when the six months was deemed to have
passed, the Senate issued a statement extending the suspension to
November, on the excuse of discounting holidays and weekends.
A Federal High Court last week nullified the suspension, saying it
was illegal. The court also ordered Mr. Ndume’s immediate reinstatement
and payment of all his entitlements for the period of the suspension.
Ndume said; “I really do not want you to feel that I’m taking
this on anybody. No. This is a democracy and there are structures on
ground to test our nascent democracy.
“I didn’t go to court for my personal reason. I went to court
to find out if what was done to me was right or wrong. The court decided
that what was done to me was wrong but the Senate says it would appeal
the judgment.
“Whatever I did is not personal and I am not taking it
personally against anybody. If anybody thinks my action is personal, I
live that to God who is the ultimate judge and we will all account for
our deeds in the world after.”
Ndume in his usual white traditional ‘agbada’ and cap, thanked
Nigerians for the support shown him during the time of the suspension,
and also expressed grief on the death of a senator, Isiaka Adeleke, who
he described as his ‘landlord, and Yelwa, wife of a senator, Danjuma
Goje.
“I want to use this opportunity to thank everybody and God. For
over seven months, I was not here. Within this period a colleague of
mine who sat right behind me died. Another colleague and friend of mine
lost his wife. Also, two of my colleagues lost their seats.
“In the House of Representatives, two to three people died and
one lost his seat. It could have been me because I am not better than
any of them. So, I thank God.
“I am humbled by the sympathy and empathy that Nigerians have
shown me within this period. I am a son of nobody who became somebody
without knowing anybody. I thank God.”
He informed the journalists of his intention to perform the lesser Hajj. “After this address, I am heading straight to the airport to perform the lesser Hajj and Thank God.”
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