Abuja, Nigeria – In a dramatic turn of events during Tuesday’s Senate session, Senator Ali Ndume, the Chief Whip of the Senate, has shed light on his abrupt departure from the chamber. His exit came following a heated exchange with Senate President Godswill Akpabio and concerns raised about procedural matters within the Senate.
Senator Ndume, representing Borno South, used a point of order to bring attention to what he perceived as “procedural infringements” taking place in the Senate, a move that disrupted the plenary session’s normal course. Senate President Akpabio interrupted Ndume’s speech, leading to the senator’s departure.
Speaking with BBC Hausa, Ndume clarified that his departure was related to a discussion concerning the closure of Nigeria’s borders. He explained that the issue arose when Senator Kawu Sumaila proposed an urgent motion to close the border with Niger. While initially debated as non-urgent, Senate President Akpabio allowed Sumaila to present his case. The motion was ultimately agreed upon as a matter of national security.
Ndume aimed to emphasize the motion’s significance and the need to involve the Nigerian President, as the border closure had been initiated during his tenure as President of the ECOWAS. However, he claimed that the Senate President denied him the opportunity to address the matter.
“The closure of the border was not initiated by the President of Nigeria, but rather during his tenure as President of ECOWAS. As such, he has the authority to advocate on our behalf,” Ndume stated. “In order to address this matter, it is imperative to involve the President of our nation, but I was not afforded the opportunity to convey this message.”
Ndume also noted that his departure coincided with the time of prayer, leading to a misinterpretation of his exit by his colleagues and journalists. The incident has stirred discussions about parliamentary decorum and communication within the Senate.