Politics
Tourism Isn’t My Thing,’ Ndume Turns Down new Senate Position
Ousted Senate Chief Whip, Mohammed Ali Ndume, has turned down the role of Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tourism, citing his lack of expertise in the field. Ndume, who was removed from his position as Chief Whip by the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee (NWC) following comments on President Buhari, stated that only his constituents have the authority to decide his departure from the APC or any change in his political affiliation.
Speaking from his residence in Maiduguri, Borno State, where he was attending the third-day prayers for his late sister-in-law, Ndume expressed gratitude for President Bola Tinubu’s approval of the new minimum wage of N70,000. However, he criticized the amount as insufficient compared to the cost of essential goods like a 50kg bag of rice, which is priced over N70,000.
Ndume reaffirmed his commitment to his earlier statements made during an interview with Arise TV, which criticized the current administration. Quoting former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, Ndume emphasized the importance of standing by the country and not just public officials, highlighting his belief in speaking the truth regardless of political repercussions.
He accepted his removal from the Chief Whip position as an act of divine will and expressed no personal grievances about the decision. Ndume clarified that his political ambition was to serve as a senator representing Southern Borno and Nigeria, not to secure specific positions within the Senate.
Regarding speculation about joining the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or other political parties, Ndume affirmed his allegiance to the APC, stating that any decision to switch parties or exit politics would be guided by his constituents and supporters. He also confirmed that he would not pursue legal action but would leave his case to divine justice.
Ndume called on his supporters and Nigerians to continue praying for peace and stability in the country while maintaining calm and law-abiding behavior.