Nigerians no longer have confidence in lawmakers – Ndume
Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has expressed concern over the diminishing trust Nigerians have in the country’s lawmakers.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Ndume stated that the parliament has strayed from the expectations of the people.
The former Senate Chief Whip emphasized the need to safeguard the integrity of the legislature.
He said, “It is not about these reforms but I am concerned, that institution is supposed to be protected.
“Out of 109 of us, only 25 of us made it back to the Senate. It means we have lost the confidence of the people. Out of those that didn’t come back, almost all wanted to come back except for few that wanted to be governors.
“Instead of sticking to what is true and right, if you deviate for whatever reason will be tantamount to the confidence given to you by the people.”
Addressing the uproar in the Senate over the tax reform bills, Senator Ali Ndume described the situation as an ambush.
According to reports, tensions flared in the Senate on Wednesday when Ndume raised concerns about the presence of Zacch Adedeji, the chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), in the red chamber.
Ndume protested that Adedeji’s briefing was not included in the day’s order paper, prompting Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele to propose a motion to suspend the chamber’s rules.
In his response, Ndume cited Senate regulations, stating that visitors are not permitted to address the chamber unless their appearance is listed on the order paper.
Speaking on the uproar in the senate regarding the tax reform bills, Ndume described it as an ambush.
When asked if it was listed on the day’s proceedings during the interview, he said: “That is why I raised the matter. If not, why not?”
“Zacch and Taiwo Oyedele, brilliant guys, I respect them for their intellect but not the way they are doing this thing,” he added.
