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Tag: Ali Ndume

  • Mace’s seizure: Senate blamed for thugs’ invasion

    Nigerians on Wednesday took a swipe at Senate President, Bukola Saraki and the red chamber for the attack by hoodlums said to loyal to suspended Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege.

    The thugs on Wednesday morning invaded the Senate presided over by Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, seizing its symbol of authority, the mace and injuring some Senators.

    Saraki, who condemned the attack in a press statement issued by his media aide, Yusuph Olaniyonu, was accused of provoking it by the suspension of Omo-Agege.

    Saraki, in the statement shared on all his social media platforms, had commended his colleagues for defying “those who machinated an attack on the Red Chambers of the National Assembly in which the mace was forcefully taken away.”

    He said: “I have just been informed that some hoodlums invaded the Senate chambers, forcefully took away the mace and assaulted some of our Sergeant-at-arms on chamber duties. I am delighted that the Senate stood up to them by disregarding their unreasonable and shameful action and went on with the day’s proceedings as slated in the Order Paper.

    “My commendation goes to my deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, other members of the leadership, my colleagues, the leadership and members of the House of Representives for standing in defence of democracy, parliamentary sanctity and constitutionalism.

    “With the way the Senate has defied those seeking to undermine it, we have sent out a strong signal that we are always ready to defend our constitutional mandate and nothing will deter us from this.

    “I associate myself with the comments of the Deputy Senate President that we are ready to get to the roots of this assault on democracy and ensure that those who are responsible, no matter how remote, will be brought to justice.”

    Reacting to the incident, a lawyer, Babatunde Ogala said it was an assault not just on the legislature but the constitution, describing it as  sheer anarchy.

    Ogala blamed the Senate for the invasion, insisting that the hallowed chamber set the stage for anarchy when it suspended Omo-Agege in disregard to Senate Rules and Orders of Court.

    “And why do I say so? The rules of the Senate has expressly provided that once a matter is pending before a court of law, the Senate shall not deliberate on same or do any act that may interfere with the proceedings of the court.

    “Senator Omo-Agege had gone to court and obtained an order of court restraining the Senate and it’s Committee on Ethics and Privileges from taking further steps on the investigations of his conduct pending the determination of the suit.

    “Despite receiving the order of court , the Senate at plenary rather than stay action, proceeded to  condemn the order of court and abuse the the judge who granted the order. It even had the temerity to adopt a motion to write and indeed wrote to the Chief Justice of Nigeria threatening and asking him to call judges to order.

    “As if that was not enough, it still went ahead to invite the senator who when he attended the  committee sitting declined to speak and reminded the committee of the order of court and also reminded it of the provision of the Senate rules that prohibits it from deliberating on a matter that’s lis pendis.

    “Nothwitstanding the order of court and it’s rules, the Senate went on to suspend Omo-Agege. Recall that the Federal High Court had earlier delivered judgement in Senator Ali Ndume v NASS  and ruled that the Senate or any legislative house had no constitutional powers to suspend an elected member and that same is unlawful, unconstitutional, null and void.

    “The Senate being aware of its own rules, the judgement in Ali Ndume case and the order in Omo-Agege’s case still went ahead to purpoetedly suspend the senator. In all, I condemn the act of desecrating the hallowed chambers by Omo-Agege thugs, but I hold the Senate fully responsible for laying the foundation for the desecration and anarchy,” said Ogala.

    Similarly, some of Saraki’s followers on social media said it was his tyrannical rule of the Eighth Senate that led to the attack, accusing him of suspending those who had contrary views to his.

    Ajibola Akinyemi said: “Sir, you are the cause of the unrest in the Senate with your indiscriminate suspension of your fellow Senators that mostly are not in tune with your opinions. It shouldn’t not be so. Everyone cannot agree with you.”

    Francis Osita said: “Repression breeds rebellion whether you like it or not. Senate President (SP) you cannot stop a constituency from representation and not expect this sort of thing. Anyways, I am watching till it gets to my constituency.”

    Omasoro Ali said: “The eighth Senate is a centre of tyranny. How can you suspend a Senator who has a different opinion from you and your PDP friends? Ovie Omo-Agege Isa patriot and we Buharists, are behind him.”

    Bishop Monday-Marcus wrote: “Again, in a state of lawlessness, it is unlawful to be law abiding. Your suspension order is provocative and a recipe for lawlessness.”

    One @foebz_the_great said: “And I hear you want to run for presidency. If you win it’s probable that our freedom of speech would be taken away and we would not be able to oppose a government that wants us to remain in cages like animals.”

  • Boko Haram: Borno reconstructs 50, 000 houses, schools, clinics

    Boko Haram: Borno reconstructs 50, 000 houses, schools, clinics

    The Borno Government says it has reconstructed over 50, 000 houses; clinics, classrooms, water points, police stations and other public structures destroyed by the Boko Haram insurgents in the past two years.

    The state Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement, Prof. Babagana Umara, stated this at a town hall meeting in Maiduguri.

    Umara said the projects were executed in liberated communities in 16 local government areas of the state, under its Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (RRR) programme.

    He explained that the projects were designed to fast track rehabilitation and resettlement of persons displaced by the insurgency.

    “For us to achieve maximum security in the region the military operation must be accompanied by stabilisation and intelligence.

    “The Borno Government has so far started reconstruction projects in 16 local government areas; basic amenities like water, health and education were being provided by the government.

    “About 26 mega schools are under construction so as to take care of the increasing number of orphans in the state.

    “In Bama Local Government Area the government reconstructed over 11, 000 homes, and in Mobbar, Damasak over 6, 000 homes reconstructed.

    “Likewise other local government councils: Gwoza, Chibok and Damboa, among others, have received similar attention”.

    Umara also disclosed that the government had successfully resettled displaced persons at konduga, Dikwa, Mafa, Gwoza, Mobbar, Askira, Ngala, Kukawa, Monguno and Damboa, amongst others.

    He noted that the state government had implemented various programmes to augment interventions by the Federal Government and development organisations to mitigate the effects of humanitarian crisis caused by the insurgency.

    Read Also: Air Force bombs Boko Haram weapons in Sambisa

    The commissioner stressed the need for establishment of civil authorities in the communities, to facilitate voluntary return and resettlement of displaced persons to their communities to resume their normal lives.

    “The establishment of civil authorities on ground is very paramount, the government constructed many police stations and traditional rulers’ buildings with a view to establishing civil authorities on ground; and without establishment of civil authorities their return could not be possible.

    “The issue of reconstruction, rehabilitation and resettlement is very important because without return of civilian authorities in their localities there should be no complete peace.

    “Boko Haram will remain in the enclaves as long as there is no human population in the areas”.

    Also, Sen. Ali Ndume (APC-Borno South) urged the Federal Government to deploy police and other security personnel to the liberated communities to enhance the resettlement process.

    Ndume further called for increased funding for the North-East Development Commission (NEDC), to accelerate reconstruction, rehabilitation, resettlement and reconciliation process in the war-ravaged region.

    Ndume noted that the total destruction in Borno State was estimated at over 9 billion dollars, representing about N2.7 trillion.

    According to statistics by Borno Government, over 20,000 persons were killed and over two million others displaced by the insurgency in the state.

    It shows that 986, 453 residential homes; 5, 335 classrooms, 201 clinics, 1, 630 water facilities, 726 electrical distribution stations and 800 public structures were destroyed by the insurgents in 27 local government areas of the state.

    NAN

     

  • Suspension: Senate okays Ndume’s resumption Wednesday

    Suspension: Senate okays Ndume’s resumption Wednesday

    The Senate rose from a closed session Tuesday to give nod to Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume to resume sitting Wednesday.

    Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu who presided, announced the resolution of the upper chamber that its former leader, Ndume, should take back his seat among his colleagues having served out his six months suspension.

    Ekweremadu said that the resolution was without prejudice to the legal tussle surrounding Ndume’s suspension.

    Unconfirmed reports on Monday said that Ndume may not be allowed to resume sitting because he is in court with the Senate over his suspension.

    Those behind the plot to bar the Borno South lawmaker from the chamber said that it would be a misnomer to allow a member who is challenging the authority of the institution he belongs to in court to sit in the same chamber.

    Tuesday’s resolution was however seen as a welcome development by many of the lawmakers who saw it as part of the ongoing peace initiative in the chamber.

    The Senate had on Monday filed an appeal against the judgment of the Federal High Court, delivered today, 10th of November, 2017 which declared the suspension of Ndume null, void and of no consequence.

    Ndume had told reporters in Abuja that he was prepared to resume sitting on November 15, 2017 at the expiration of his suspension.

  • Senate recalls Ali Ndume

    Senate recalls Ali Ndume

    •Senators disagree over appeal

    Following the expiration of his suspension, the Senate has recalled its former leader Mohammed Ali Ndume.

    Also, some Senators have disagreed with the chamber’s counsel, Mike Ozekhome(SAN) for proceeding on appeal against the High Court judgment that declared Ndume’s suspension illegal without the resolution of members.

    Ozekhome has filed a notice of appeal against Friday’s judgment of Justice Babatunde Quadri of the Federal High Court, Abuja which declared Ndume’s suspension as illegal, null and void.

    According to a letter by Clerk to the Senate Nelson Ayewoh, Ndume is expected to resume in plenary tomorrow.

    But barely 72 hours after the reinstatement of Ndume by the Federal High Court, Abuja, Chief Mike Ozekhome(SAN) , who is the counsel to the Senate filed a notice of appeal at the Court of Appeal(Abuja Division).

    The appellants are Senate President Bukola Saraki and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges Sen. Samuel Anyanwu.

    There were indications that many Senators do not want the case against Ndume to drag to the Appellate Court.

    A ranking Senator said: “So far, we have not agreed at the Executive Session to go to the Court of Appeal on this matter. We are all war wearied, we want peace now, we are tired of any row among us.

    “Even the High Court refused to award cost in the spirit of engendering peace and harmony in the Senate. We will prefer to broker peace between the Senate President and Ndume.”

    Another Senator from the South-East said: “I think our counsel was only acting on the basis of law but we will rather proffer political solution to the judgment of the High Court. It is not every time you go to court.”

    A third Senator said: “Going to the Court of Appeal may compound the situation. Some of us have just discovered that our counsel once filed a suit in court against the Senate when Sen. Arthur Nzeribe was suspended. We believe it is wrong of him now to be defending the suspension of a Senator. You cannot approbate and reprobate in law.

    “I will advise the President of the Senate to be magnanimous and toe the path of peace and reconciliation which had been initiated by leaders from APC and Borno State.”

    A Senator from North-Central said: “I think we need to test the law to its logical conclusion on the powers of the Senate to exercise disciplinary control on its members. But we have not met to decide whether or not we should go on appeal.”

  • Senate to appeal high court judgment in favour of Sen. Ndume

    Senate to appeal high court judgment in favour of Sen. Ndume

    The Senate says it will file an appeal on Nov. 13 against judgment of the Federal High Court ordering it to pay all salaries and allowances of Sen. Ali Ndume, who has been on suspension.

    The senate made this known in a statement by its Counsel, Mr Mike Ozekhome, on Sunday.

    The Upper Chamber said  it disagreed with the said judgment.

    “For the records, the Senate had challenged the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court to entertain the matter on several grounds, portions of which are outlined here under for the purpose of emphasis, as follows:

    “That the Plaintiff wrongly joined several causes of action in his Originating Summons.

    “That an action for the enforcement of fundamental rights to fair hearing can only be brought against a court or a tribunal, established by law as held by the Supreme Court in several current cases, and not against Committee of a legislative body.

    “That by the provisions of sections 3 and 30 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, the trial court lacked requisite jurisdiction to hear the suit of the Plaintiff.

    “The Senate’s argument is supported by various and current decisions of the apex court, it noted.

    The Senate expressed optimism that the decision of the trial court on Ndume would be overturned by the Court of Appeal.

    It said it had instructed the law firm of Mike Ozekhome’s Chambers to file an appeal against the judgment.

    “The notice of appeal is ready and would be filed unfailingly by Monday morning.

    “An application for a stay of execution of the orders of the court will also be filed same time.”

    NAN

  • Suspension: Court rules on Ndume’s suit October 13

    Suspension: Court rules on Ndume’s suit October 13

    A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Wednesday fixed October 13 for judgment in the suit filed by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume to challenge his suspension by the leadership of the Senate.

    Justice Babatunde Quadri gave the date after taking arguments from lawyers in the case, including Marcel Oru (representing Ndume) and Mike Ozekhome (SAN) for the Senate.

    The court took arguments from parties on the substantive suit and the notice of objection filed by the Senate to challenge the court’s jurisdiction.

    In his argument, Oru urged the court to among others, dismiss the objection by the Senate and grant his client’s prayers because the Senate erred by suspending his client.

    Ozekhome urged the court to dismiss the plaintiff’s suit for being unmeritorious. He urged the court to uphold his client’s objection on the ground that the plaintiff’s suspension was in line with the provision under the Legislative Powers and Privileges Act.

    Ndume was suspended by the Senate via a letter dated March 30, 2017 after he drew the Senate leadership’s attention to reports in the media that the Senate’s invitation of the Comptroller General of Customs, Hameed Ali, was due to seizure of a vehicle imported for the Senate president, Bukola Saraki and the controversy over Dino Melaye’s educational qualifications.

    The suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/551/2017 has the Senate president, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Senator Samuel Anyanwu (Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions) as defendants.

    Ndume argued that his suspension was intended by the Senate leadership to get back at him for merely raising questions about issues relating to conduct of privileged individuals in the Senate.

     

  • We must resolve North East humanitarian crises, says Osinbajo

    The Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo on Monday said the country could not wait for another generation of leaders to resolve the humanitarian crises in the North East.

    He said this while receiving a delegation from Borno which came to thank President Muhammadu Buhari for the recent release of 82 Chibok girls from the Boko Haram captivity.

    According to him, it is this generation of leaders who must do what it takes to resolve most of the issues that face the country in the North East.

    Osinbajo said that the Federal Government would re-strategise with all the agencies involved in the rehabilitation of victims of insurgency in order to address their most urgent problems.

    “Perhaps it might be wise for us to take a look first about how to save the children and to save peoples’ lives and then begin to address questions of infrastructure as we go along.

    “But I think it is important that people don’t die while we are thinking, people don’t die while we are planning to ensure that we are able to provide for them.

    “So what I will suggest is that we take some time out to look at this, the Borno State government, the Federal Government, and then of cause the PCNI, PINE and all the other government initiatives that are working out there.

    “And then plan things better, outline what is priority and then determine what it will cost us and then we can work from there.

    “But I think it is important that we take a second look at what we have organized so far so that we will be able to do something more.’’

    Osinbajo said that the crises in the North East had grown deeper but noted that it was gratifying that more people were freed from captivity by the armed forces and international partners.

    He said the government must determine what needed to be done and do everything that it would take to hold the officials to account for the lives of the children and vulnerable people.

    “That in my view is the whole point about leadership, otherwise I don’t see how we can justify our leadership in any other way,’’ he said.

    The Acting President acknowledged that a lot of what happened in the release of the Chibok girls were largely because the international community and development partners believed in the integrity of Buhari.

    He said the partners “recognize his genuineness, forthrightness and felt the need to help,’’ adding that they did not have to wonder if there was any other thing else going on.

    “We are thankful for that kind of leadership that has showed so much integrity.’’

    Osinbajo observed that so many people made sacrifices in the course of insurgency, especially in Borno, and said the disaster in the region was unimaginable.

    He said the administration did not know how long it would take to restore all that were lost in physical infrastructure not to talk about the lost lives.

    Osinbajo said that Buhari noted that the arrival of the 82 girls to the Villa had boosted his health.

    He said Nigerians should rejoice that the release of the girls had taken place and expressed optimism that the remaining girls and others in captivity would regain their freedom.

    Borno Gov. Kashim Shetima, who led the delegation, said the state was surprised in October 2016 with the release of 21 Borno daughters by the Buhari administration.

    He added that the record-breaking negotiation also secured the release of another 82 female students.

    Shetima said that his state was in the Villa to thank Buhari, his team, the armed forces, the Swiss government and the International Red Cross committee for the feat.

    The governor whose wife, Nana, was also at the event attributed the feat to the integrity of the President.

    He said the President inherited a battered economy and that with his determination the country would attain greatness again.

    He thanked the parents of the girls for their patience waiting for the girls and urged parents whose girls had yet to return to remain hopeful and prayerful for God to turn the situation around.

    The Chairman Governors Forum, Gov. Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara , commended the efforts of the President and Vice President for the release of the Chibok girls.

    He also thanked God for His intervention and expressed the hope that more captives would return and that insurgency in the North East would be routed out.

    The former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, noted the personal interest shown by Osinbajo in the plight of the people of the North East.

    He said that the humanitarian crises in the region were beyond anyone’s imagination in spite of the efforts made by the international community.

    The Senator noted that the budget of Borno could not take care of the problems, adding that the budget of N45 billion for the PCNI was grossly inadequate and urged the federal government to boost the allocation.

    The Minister of Women Affairs, Aisha Alhassan said that all the released girls were in good shape and thanked the Acting President for being thorough in the identification of the girls.

    She also thanked the Borno governor and the UN system for their special interest in the rehabilitation of the released school girls.

     

  • Breaking: Senate suspends Ndume for six months

    Breaking: Senate suspends Ndume for six months

    Senator Muhammed Ali Ndume was on Wednesday suspended for six months by the Senate over  allegations against Senate President Dr Bukola Saraki and Senator Dino Melaye.

    Ali was found guilty of not “making due diligence” before filing a petition against the Saraki and Melaye.

    His suspension was based on the recommendation of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions considered by the lawmakers at the Wednesday plenary session.

    The Senate had asked its Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions to investigate Ndume’s allegation against  Saraki for alleged importation of bullet-proof car with fake Customs duty certificate and Melaye for certificate forgery.
    The resolution to launch the investigation followed a motion of privilege by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (Borno South).
    Ndume drew the attention of his colleagues to a publication that Saraki sanctioned the invitation of the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) to appear in uniform to throw light on the controversial import duty payment on old vehicles because the Service impounded his (Saraki’s) bullet-proof Range Rover Sport Utility Vehicle on the orders of Ali.
    On Melaye, Ndume referred the Senate to a publication by a national newspaper that Melaye did not graduate from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
    Ndume told the Senate that an online platform claimed Melaye did not obtain a degree in Geography from ABU, Zaria.
    The Borno South lawmaker, who prayed the Senate to investigate the issues, noted that there was nothing untoward about investigating the Senate President.
    He said a former Speaker of the House of Representatives Salisu Buhari was accused of certificate forgery and investigated to clear his name.
    Ndume added that a former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara, was also accused of corruption and investigated.
    He noted that Wabara was also given opportunity to clear his name.
    Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari, he said, was also accused of certificate forgery and given opportunity to clear his name.
    He said another presiding officer of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, was also accused and investigated to clear his name.
    Ndume said: “This matter borders on our privileges. One has to do with Senator Bukola Saraki, the Senate President and it was reported in a paper; I have it here. The newspaper said the Senate is on vengeance after Nigeria Customs Service seized Senator Saraki’s bullet-proof Range Rover over fake documents.
    “My colleagues that are following events, particularly online, have seen or heard or read the rain of abuses on this Senate and the misconception of the fact that we invited the Customs boss based on a very unpopular policy that affects the people we represent, but now we are faced with this.
    “During the 4th Assembly, Salisu Buhari was accused of certificate forgery. He was investigated and determined after that. In the 5th Assembly, Bello Masari was accused of certificate forgery (secondary school). He was investigated and was cleared.
    “In the 6th Senate, Dimeji Bankole was accused of not having NYSC certificate, it was investigated and he showed his NYSC certificate.
    “Now, that brings me to the second matter in the National Assembly. In the 4th Assembly, Senate President Adolphus Wabara was accused of collecting a bribe and it was investigated and determined. So, a lot of precedence has been set.
    “Now, the second matter of privileges affects my colleague Dino Melaye and it is in the paper today? 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 supposed to.”
    After the plenary, Melaye described the issue Ndume raised about him as a welcome development.
    The Kogi West senator noted that democracy is about investigation, where no senator is above investigation.
    He said those bandying the report that he did not graduate from ABU were obsessed with him.
    He said Nigerians would not be surprised that one day the same people would say he is not a Nigerian.
    Melaye, however, assured he would submit himself to investigation as a law-abiding citizen of the country.
    He added that as a member of the committee saddled with the responsibility to investigate him, he would excuse himself from the committee, unless invited.
    Melaye, who said he would not be deterred by negative reports about him, noted that he has seven degrees already pursuing the eight one.
    He said ABU would not allow him to do higher degrees, if he did not have a degree certificate.
    Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over the plenary, asked Ndume to lay the documents he has.
    Ndume submitted some newspaper publications.
    Ekweremadu referred the two matters to the Senator Samuel Anyanwu-led Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.
    He gave the committee four weeks to report back.

     

    Details soon

  • Senate probes Saraki, Melaye over importation of bullet proof car, others

    Senate probes Saraki, Melaye over importation of bullet proof car, others

    …I will submit myself to investigation – Melaye

     

    The Senate Tuesday asked it committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions to investigate Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki over alleged importation of bullet proof car with fake customs duty certificate.

    The upper chamber also mandated the committee to probe the allegation of certificate forgery leveled against Senator Dino Melaye (Kogi West).

    The resolution to launch the investigation followed a motion of privilege by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (Borno South).

    Ndume drew the attention of his colleagues to a publication that Saraki sanctioned the invitation of the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) to appear in uniform to throw light on the controversial import duty payment on old vehicles because the Service impounded his (Saraki’s) bullet proof Range Rover Sport Utility Vehicle on the orders of Ali.

    On Melaye, Ndume referred the Senate to a publication by a national daily that Melaye did not graduate from the Ahmdu Bello University, Zaria.

    Ndume told the Senate that an online platform published in a publication claimed Melaye did not obtain a degree in Geography from ABU, Zaria.

    The Borno South lawmaker, who prayed the Senate to investigate the issues, noted that there was nothing untoward about investigating the Senate President.

    He said that a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Salisu Buhari was accused of certificate forgery and investigated for him to clear his name.

    Ndume also said that a former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara was also accused of corruption and investigated.

    He noted Wabara was also given opportunity to clear his name.

    The current Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Bello Masari, he said, was also accused of certificate and given opportunity to clear his name through investigation.

    He said that another presiding officer of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, was also accused and investigated to clear his name.

    Ndume said: “This matter borders on our privileges. One has to do with Senator Bukola Saraki, the Senate President and it was reported in a paper I have it here. The newspaper said the Senate is on vengeance after Nigeria Customs seized Senator Saraki’s bullet proof Range Rover over fake documents.

    “My colleagues that are following events, particularly online, have seen or heard or read the rain of abuses on this Senate and the misconception of the fact that we invited the Customs boss based on a very unpopular policy that affects the people we represent, but now we are faced with this.

    “During the 4th Assembly, Salisu Buhari was accused of certificate forgery. He was investigated and determined after that. In the 5th Assembly, Bello Masari was accused of certificate forgery (secondary school). He was investigated and was cleared.

    “In the 6th Senate, Dimeji Bankole was accused of not having NYSC certificate, it was investigated and he showed his NYSC certificate.

    “Now, that brings me to the second matter in the National Assembly. In the 4th Assembly, Senate President, Adolphus Wabara was accused of collecting a bribe and it was investigated and determined. So, a lot of precedence have been set.

    “Now, the second matter of privileges affects my colleague Dino Melaye and it is in the paper today.‎ 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 supposed to.”

    After the plenary, Senator Melaye described the issue Ndume raised about him as a welcome development.

    The Kogi West senator noted that democracy is about investigation where no senator is above investigation.

    He said that those bandying the report that he did not graduate from ABU were obsessed with him.

    He said that Nigerians would not be surprised that one day the same people would say that he is not a Nigerian.

    Melaye however assured that he would submit himself to investigation as a law abiding citizen of the country.

    He also said that as a member of the committee saddled with the responsibility to investigate him, he would excuse himself from the committee on the matter unless invited.

    Melaye who said that he would not be deterred by negative reports about him noted that he has seven degrees already pursuing the eight one.

    He said that ABU would not allow him to do higher degrees if he did not have a degree certificate.

    Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over the plenary asked Ndume to lay the documents he has.

    Ndume submitted some newspaper publications.

    Ekweremadu referred the two matters to Senator Samuel Anyanwu-led committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions for further investigation.

    He gave the committee four week to report back.

     

  • We must open up on budget – Ndume

    Former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, on Wednesday asked the leadership of the Senate to open up the budget of the upper chamber.

    Ndume, who was removed as Senate Leader on January 10, spoke while making his contributions on the general principles of the 2017 budget.

    The Borno South lawmaker underscored the need for openness and transparency in the management of the budget at all levels.

    He noted that a situation where details of the Senate budget are not disclosed to Senators should no longer be accommodated.

    Ndume said, “We come here to pass the budget without seeing the details. This is government of change and this must change. The details of the budget report should and as required, must be considered holistically.

    “Last year we had several issues with the budget, in fact to some extent very embarrassing and that is because some of us are even innocent. We don’t know what was in the budget because the details of the budget were not provided and this should be done this year.

    “The budget of the Senate is not known to the Senators, it should be known this year. This is very important because we cannot be taking blames or hold credit for what we don’t know. Mr. President if you look at 2016 budget, yes we have been given the budget performance but what budget 2016 contained in relation to 2017 budget is not available.”