Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, has expressed concern that lawmakers have lost the trust of the public due to their failure to perform effectively.
In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Ndume pointed out that following the 2023 general elections, only 25 senators from the ninth Assembly returned to the Senate.
This, he believes, reflects a significant erosion of confidence among the electorate.
The former Senate Chief Whip emphasized the importance of protecting the integrity of the legislature. He explained that when lawmakers fail to meet the expectations of the people, it constitutes a breach of public trust.
He also noted that out of the 109 senators, only 25 were re-elected, with most of the others aspiring to return, except for a few who aimed for governorship positions.
Ndume also weighed in on the recent disruption in the Senate concerning the tax reform bills proposed by President Bola Tinubu. Tensions escalated on Wednesday when Ndume objected to the entrance of Zacch Adedeji, Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service into the Senate chambers.
Adedeji’s briefing had not been scheduled in the Senate’s order paper, prompting Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele to move a motion for the suspension of Senate rules. In response, Ndume, referencing Senate procedures, argued that visitors should not be allowed to address the chamber unless listed on the agenda.
A day after the incident, Ndume described the situation as an ambush, questioning why Adedeji’s appearance had not been officially listed. He acknowledged the competence of both Adedeji and Taiwo Oyedele but criticized their handling of the matter.
“It is not about these reforms but I am concerned that the 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 a few that wanted to be governors,” he said
When asked if it was listed on the day’s proceedings, 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.
