The name of the erstwhile leader of the Senate, Ali Ndume, has reportedly been penciled down for suspension from the National Assembly by senators loyal to Senate President, Bukola Saraki, over what they have described as ‘unparliamentary’ utterances made by the Borno-born lawmaker.
Ndume incurred the wrath of Saraki and his loyalists, when he protested the rejection of the acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu, by the Senate.
Ndume had said Saraki erred by accepting a new report not signed by the Director-General of Department of State Services (DSS), Lawal Daura.
Referring to a similar letter written to the Senate President by an Assistant Comptroller General of Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) on behalf of Col. Hameed Ali, Ndume had queried why Saraki declined to read the letter, but accepted a similar one from the DSS.
Ndume, after the second rejection of Magu, granted several press interviews where he openly criticized Saraki and the entire Senate for rejecting Magu.
A source familiar with the planned suspension of Ndume, told the media that the move may happen any time barring any last minute change of mind.
He also said that another senator, seen to be neutral, has been approached to move a motion on the floor of the Senate to that effect.
“Already, senators loyal to Saraki are already reaching out to other colleagues who are yet to join the train. Senator Dino Melaye is believed to be leading the offensive,” the source said.
Unperturbed by his planned suspension, Ndume called for the investigation of Saraki and Melaye over the face-off with the Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) and certificate forgery allegation leveled against Melaye.
Sen. Melaye, who was in the chamber when Ndume raised the twin issues, did not react or counter the statement
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