Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has opened up about his turbulent journey in the Senate, sharing stories of suspension, removal from leadership positions, and his perceived betrayal by key political figures.
In an interview with Deutsche Welle (DW) Hausa service, Ndume recounted his suspension during the 8th Senate and his recent dismissal as Chief Whip in the 10th Senate. He attributed these challenges to his unwavering commitment to “speaking the truth.”
“I was removed as Senate leader and later suspended for eight months without salary. It riled me up because we played a crucial role in the emergence of Saraki (as Senate President), but he betrayed me,” Ndume said, referring to former Senate President Bukola Saraki.
Regarding his dismissal as Chief Whip, Ndume remarked, “I was recently sacked as Chief Whip for speaking the truth. But it is now a thing of the past. And as I watch, Allah in his mercy is avenging the betrayal.”
Ndume voiced his deep concern over the unfulfilled promises of democracy, particularly for Nigeria’s poor. He lamented, “Despite committing myself to the cause of improving the welfare of the masses, it is lamentable that this has not yet been achieved.”
Reflecting on past and present administrations, Ndume expressed disappointment over governance in Nigeria. He criticised the current government for becoming what he described as “personalized,” stating, “A government under a democratic rule is supposed to be a government of the people, for the people, and by the people. But this is not so now.”
The senator’s remarks highlight growing frustrations over governance and the plight of Nigeria’s most vulnerable citizens.