Ndume: Saraki’s Betrayal and Critique of Tinubu’s Personalized Governance
Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has publicly expressed feelings of betrayal by former Senate President Bukola Saraki. Ndume stated that despite his significant support for Saraki’s rise to the Senate Presidency during the 8th Senate, he was later removed from his position as Senate Leader and suspended without salary for eight months. He remarked, “We played a crucial role in the emergence of Saraki, but he betrayed me.”
In addition to his experiences with Saraki, Ndume has been vocal about his concerns regarding President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He criticized the government for being overly centralized, describing it as “personalized” and suggesting that it deviates from democratic principles. Ndume commented, “The government of the day is now ‘personalized.’ A government under a democratic rule is supposed to be a government of the people, for the people, and by the people.”
Following his criticisms, Ndume faced repercussions, including his removal from the position of Chief Whip in the 10th Senate.
He attributed this action to his willingness to “speak the truth.” Despite these challenges, Ndume remains steadfast in his stance, stating that his actions are driven by patriotism and a commitment to democratic ideals.
These developments highlight ongoing tensions within Nigeria’s political landscape, with Ndume’s experiences underscoring the complexities of political alliances and governance in the country.
For a more in-depth understanding of Senator Ndume’s recent statements and the reactions they’ve elicited, you might find the following video insightful: