Former Senate Chief Whip, Senator Ali Ndume, has rejected his appointment as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tourism.
The position was offered to him by Senate President Godswill Akpabio after his removal as Chief Whip.
Ndume’s removal was directed by the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) due to his recent criticisms of President Bola Tinubu. However, Ndume defended his actions, stating he had no regrets.
Speaking to newsmen in Maiduguri, Borno State capital, on Friday, Ndume explained that he was not desperate for positions and had only accepted the Chief Whip role after being begged to do so.
He said, “I learnt that I was given the Chairman of Tourism Committee; nobody wrote to me, but I want to state here clearly that I decline this offer for two reasons; I am not a tourist so I am not interested in accepting the Chairman on Tourism. I am not knowledgeable about Tourism.”
He added, “It is unpatriotic to stand by Mr President with whatever he does, it is patriotic to speak the truth not only to the President but anybody for that matter. It is unpatriotic not to speak the truth to power or anybody and still stand by that.
“In doing so, it is also worthy to note that in Hausa language (Allah ya na tare da mai gaskiya) meaning that God is always on the side of truthful people.
“I know I am not wrong; the people are not wrong by speaking the truth and by standing by the truth. I expect the president who I believe that the report has gotten to him to look into what I have said and take appropriate measures to alleviate the suffering.
“People are not happy, people are suffering and angry. Leaders in this country need to take a review; they should get back to me to tell me whether I said anything that is not true or is wrong. It is God that gave me that position and it is God that took it, so I bear no grudge against anyone. Afterall, I didn’t contest to be the Chief Whip, I didn’t contest to be the Vice Chairman appropriation committee, I contested to be the senator of Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Alhamdulillah, God granted me victory and I am with God.”
