Probe: I bear no malice towards Saraki, Melaye – Sen. Ndume

Immediate-past Senate Leader, Ali Ndume (APC Borno South), has denied bearing any malice towards Senate President Bukola Saraki and Senator Dino Melaye, over his call for the probe of the duo. He told Daily Trust yesterday in Abuja that he should be commended and not condemned, for raising the issue due to precedents in the National Assembly.

“Are you saying I should not have raised the issue? It was in the public domain, and it is in the Senate tradition by Rule 14 and 15. There were precedents that were investigated. In the history of National Assembly, Salisu Buhari’s case came in the media too that he did not graduate from the University of Toronto Canada and was investigated. When it was discovered he did not have the degree, he stepped down and was prosecuted and sentenced before he was pardoned by former President Obasanjo.

“During the Fifth Assembly, Masari as Speaker was investigated over his certificate and cleared. Bankole was accused of not observing the NYSC and he was investigated. He produced his certificate and we verified it. Also, there was the Patricia Etteh case, and she had to clear herself.

“In the Senate, Enwerem had difference of ‘S’ controversy in his certificate as in Evan and Evans, he was investigated and when it was discovered that there were discrepancies, he resigned. Chuba Okadigbo was investigated too and he lost his seat. Adolphus Wabara was accused of corruption and investigated. Even David Mark was accused and investigated and cleared. If you observe, the rate of abuses thrown at the Senate has reduced since I raised the issue,” Ndume said.

Ndume said his action was not due to bitterness as the events that led to his call for the probe happened after his exit as Senate Leader, and that he has other personal issues with Saraki, which he did not raise, including his being denied the Deputy Senate President appointment.

On his interest in the confirmation of Ibrahim Magu that led to his ouster as Senate Leader, Ndume rejected claims of personal or special interest, saying he would have taken the same stance if it involves another person.

Ndume also urged the Federal Government to vote more funds for the insurgence-ravaged NorthEast, saying it is disheartening that other countries raised billions of naira for the cause, while the Nigerian government is giving discouraging responses.