By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
A Pro-Ndume Group, Southern Borno Concerned Citizens has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje to reconsider the decision of removing Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume from his position as Senate Chief Whip.
The group also urged President Tinubu and APC National Chairman to review the decision of the party to withdraw his APC Membership as communicated to the upper chamber of the National Assembly on July 17, 2024.
The National President of the Southern Borno Concerned Citizens, Comrade Bulama Sawa Ali stated this on Tuesday while briefing journalists at the NUJ Press Center Maiduguri
He said: “It has come to our attention that certain individuals have attempted to tarnish Sen.Ndume’s political credibility, especially since he decided to speak on behalf of the concerned citizens of Nigeria.
“This is not acceptable as far as Unity is concerned. The action taken against Senator Ndume is not just an offense to him personally, but it also serves as a warning to all who dare to speak the truth and represent their constituents faithfully at the National Assembly.
“Your Excellency Sir, we, the entire youth of Southern Borno and Borno State in general, believe that Sen. Ndume is a very democratic, competent, composed, confident, eloquent, and highly intellectual politician with vast experience in governance.
“He was elected as the six-term Representative of Southern Borno Constituency at the National Assembly, and we stand behind him at this trying moment.
“By this press conference, we pass the following vote of confidence in Dist. Sen. Ndume and tender a specific request to His Excellency Bola Ahmad Tinubu (Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces) and the APC National Working Committee under the leadership of HE Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the APC National Chairman.
The leader of the group added that ,”We, the youth of Southern Borno and Borno State, stand united in extending our vote of confidence in Sen. ,Muh’d Ali Ndume.”
“As you are all aware, we are here on behalf of the youth clubs and associations in Borno State to address this press conference and make a call to the APC National Working Committee, under the leadership of His Excellency Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, APC National Chairman, to reconsider his decision concerning the removal of Dist. Sen. Muh’d Ali Ndume from the position of Chief Whip and the withdrawal of his APC membership, as communicated to the National Assembly on July 17, 2024.
“Your Excellency, sir, you have not only honored the Senator but also the entire youth and citizens of Borno State. We are very proud of you as our President.
“Your Excellency Sir, we are appealing to you to review the interview that led to his removal from the position of Majority Chief Whip. Sen. Ndume has done more than enough good for society and the people of Southern Borno and Borno State.
“As a politician and lecturer, he has mentored thousands of us when he was serving as a lecturer at Ramat Polytechnic Maiduguri. It’s significant to note that in his capacity, he has supported countless youths in pursuing their educational goals both within and outside the country.
” Your Excellency Sir, Sen. Ndume has worked with various stakeholders across different schools, colleges, polytechnics, and universities, ensuring that the sons and daughters of the less privileged in our society get educated and liberated from illiteracy and poverty., Bulama said
According to him,” As the saying goes, “educate one and you educate the society.” His achievements and track record can be confirmed by the concerned citizens.
“Let me state for intelligibility, Sen. Ndume has never been reported by any Southern Borno Concerned Citizens or political party in Borno State. Sen. Ndume is one of the founding members of the APC in the Senate, and calling for his withdrawal of membership from the party is unacceptable.
“This action not only disrespects his contributions but also signifies the withdrawal of all Southern Borno citizens from the party. I want to categorically state that the APC has deliberately replaced Senator Muh’d Ali Ndume, Senator Representing Borno South with Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Representing Borno North at the 10 the Assembly to cause hesitation, puzzlement, confusion and disunity within the APC in Borno State.
“You will all recall that on July 12, 2024, Sen. Ndume was interviewed on Arise TV regarding the hardships faced by Nigerian citizens, limited access to President Bola Ahmad Tinubu (C-in-C), and recent government policies.
“Firstly, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency Bola Ahmad Tinubu (C-in-C) for recognizing the capacity and worth of Sen. Ndume by enlisting him among the ranking senators as the Majority Chief Whip at the 10th the Assembly.
“Finally, we, the youth of Southern Borno and Borno State, restate our unified vote of confidence in Sen. Ndume and pledge our full support to him.
“We trust that His Excellency, Bola Ahmad Tinubu (C-in-C), through his wisdom and as he always listens to the concerns of the youth, will take our request into consideration and make a decision that reflects the determination and welfare of the youth and the people of Borno State,” the group leader said.
