In response to the removal of Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume from his roles as Chief Whip and Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, women groups and supporters in Southern Borno are planning a dramatic protest.
Ndume’s outspoken criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which he described as plagued by “hunger and insecurity,” led to his ousting.
Women from various wards and unit coordinators in Southern Borno’s senatorial district, including nine local government areas, have vowed to stage a peaceful, naked protest at the National Assembly.
This protest was announced during a solidarity visit to Ndume’s residence in Maiduguri on Thursday, according to Vanguard.
Spokesperson Mrs. Mada Musa from Damboa council area voiced her dismay, saying, “It is unfortunate that Ndume, who recently echoed the voices and feelings of the masses over severe hunger and insecurity in an Arise TV interview, will be punished or relinquished of his position at the Red Chamber. Instead of addressing these issues, the government, in collaboration with the APC and the Senate Caucus, unconstitutionally relieved him from his position as Chief Whip.”
Musa continued, “We elected Senator Ndume to represent Southern Borno people and Nigeria as a whole, irrespective of political affiliations. We urge our Senator, who is passionate about the plights of average Nigerians, to continue to voice the truth about hunger, insecurity, corruption, unemployment, and lost hope due to the current administration’s policies.”
Pastor Moni Mushari, representing the Ward Coordinators from Askira-Uba, quoted John 8:31, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free. “All 101 Ndume Ward Coordinators stand firmly behind Senator Ndume for saying the truth and nothing but the truth.”
Ndume expressed gratitude for the support, urging calm and law-abiding behavior.
“I sincerely thank you for the visit. I advise you to engage in farming and businesses, as it is the only solution to mankind at the moment. We will continue to provide agricultural incentives such as fertilizers and pesticides to grow what you will eat, with support from Governor Babagana Zulum.”
He acknowledged President Tinubu’s recent approval of N70,000 as minimum wage but highlighted its insufficiency.
“The minimum wage is equivalent to a bag of rice or maize. There is much more to be done, especially for families with children needing healthcare, transportation, school fees, house rent, and other economic realities.”
Addressing the APC National Working Committee’s suggestion to leave the party, Ndume stated, “It is only God that gives power to whom He wishes. I am a founding member of the APC, and wherever our Leader, Governor Zulum, is, that is where I belong.”
Ndume called on his constituency to continue supporting Governor Zulum’s administration to ensure ongoing progress and development.
