In a stunning turn of events, Senator Mohamed Ali Ndume has been relieved of his duties as Chief Whip of the Nigerian Senate.
This sudden removal comes on the heels of his recent scathing criticisms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government, which he described as “closed-door” and “inaccessible”.
Ndume’s outspoken remarks sparked a firestorm of backlash, culminating in his ouster as Chief Whip.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and members of the APC Senate Caucus unanimously endorsed Ndume’s removal during plenary, paving the way for Tahir Mungono (Borno North) to assume the role of Chief Whip.
Ndume’s criticisms of President Tinubu’s government had been building for some time, with the senator expressing disappointment at the lack of concrete action taken to address the escalating cost of living and food shortages.
The Progressive Students Movement (PSM) was quick to condemn Ndume’s comments, branding them “diminishing and derogatory” to the office of the Executive President.
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Tinubu’s aide, Tope Ajayi, also launched a scathing attack on Ndume, labeling him a “loose cannon and careless talker” with a “horrible reputation”.
In a letter addressed to the Senate Caucus, the national leadership of the ruling party, APC, asked Ndume to resign his membership of the party and join any opposition party of his choice.
The letter was signed by the party’s national chairman and secretary, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Barrister Ajibola Bashiru, respectively.
Ndume’s removal as Chief Whip marks a significant fall from grace for the senator, who had previously been a staunch supporter of President Tinubu.
As the dust settles on this political drama, one thing is clear: the consequences of speaking truth to power can be severe. “I am not surprised by this development,” Ndume said in a statement. “I have always known that my criticisms of the government would not go unnoticed.”
Despite his removal, Ndume remains defiant, vowing to continue speaking out against government excesses. “I will not be silenced,” he declared. “I will continue to speak truth to power, no matter the cost.”
