Ousted Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Ali Ndume has rejected the offer to chair the Senate Committee on Tourism, stating, “I am not a tourist and not suited for tourism roles.” Ndume, who was removed from his position following controversial remarks about President Buhari, expressed his dissatisfaction with the new role in a statement from his Maiduguri residence.
Ndume, who has spent over a decade without traveling abroad, emphasized his lack of expertise in tourism. “I have never been to the UK and only visited the USA while studying,” he said.
He also commented on the recent increase in the minimum wage to N70,000, praising the move but noting that “the minimum wage is still minimal compared to a 50kg bag of rice, which costs over N70,000.”
On his removal as Chief Whip, Ndume defended his past comments and reiterated his commitment to speaking the truth, citing former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt. “I stand by my words and appreciate those who supported my views on hunger and insecurity under President Tinubu,” he stated.
Ndume, a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), indicated that any decision to leave the party would be based on the wishes of his constituents. “I am not desperate; I am over 64 years old and accept whatever comes my way with grace,” he added.
He dismissed the idea of legal action, choosing instead to leave his fate in the hands of God and urged his supporters to pray for peace and remain law-abiding.
