Senate Recalls Ndume After 8-Month Suspension

The Nigerian Senate has finally recalled its former Majority Leader, Ali Ndume, who was suspended ìn controversial circumstances eight months ago.

The Borno APC senator was placed on suspension following the recommendation of the ethics and privileges committee of the Senate headed by Samuel Anyanwu.

The committee was asked to investigate allegations against Bukola Saraki, the President of the Senate, and Dino Melaye.

Although Mr. Ndume was not the originator of the allegations, on March 20, he raised a point of order asking the Senate to investigative issues involving the two lawmakers, as reported in the media.

Mr. Ndume requested that the Senate provides an avenue for those involved to clear their names and redeem the image of the institution.

“Therefore, accordingly, I will appeal we refer the matter to Ethics and Privileges to investigate so that our colleagues would be cleared and this Senate will stand as it is supposed to,” he said at the time.

However, at the conclusion of its assignment, the Anyanwu committee accused Mr. Ndume of raising a false alarm capable of tarnishing the image of his colleagues.

He was subsequently placed on six months suspension.

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.

However, the Senate through its counsel, Mike Ozekhome, said on Sunday that it would appeal the ruling.

In a letter addressed to Mr. Ndume by the Clerk to the Senate, Nelson Ayewoh, he was asked to resume in plenary on Wednesday (tomorrow).

“The suspension notice of the Senate vide Resolution S/Res/130/02/17 expires on November 14th, 2017.

“This communication is to inform the Distinguished Senator of your resumption in plenary scheduled for Wednesday, 15th November, 2017,” the clerk wrote.

The letter dated November 6 came four days before the Federal High Court in Abuja nullified Mr. Ndume’s suspension.

Contacted on phone Monday night, Mr. Ndume said he has put his travails behind him as is prepared to resume on Wednesday.

“I am reporting on Wednesday as directed and I hope to go back with renewed vigour in representing my people,” he said.

Asked why he went to court to challenge the action of his colleagues despite saying he holds no grudges against the senators, Mr. Ndume said it was to clear his name.

“I keep insisting I did no wrong and that is why I want that to be established. I want to set the record straight.”

Source: Premium Times