Former Senate Chief Whip, Senator Ali Ndume, has publicly declined his recent appointment as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tourism, emphasising the urgent need for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the widespread hardship faced by Nigerians.
This decision comes after Senate President Godswill Akpabio reassigned Ndume following his removal as Chief Whip of the 10th Senate on Wednesday.
During a press chat in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, on Friday, Ndume expressed his disinterest in the tourism portfolio, citing his lack of expertise in the field.
He stated, “I was begged to accept the position of Chief Whip knowing fully well that I led the campaign for Akpabio’s emergence as the Senate President. I was begged to choose the committee I wanted, and I chose Vice Chairman of the Appropriation Committee. I am not desperate.”
He further elaborated, “I learned that I was given the Chairman of the Tourism Committee; nobody wrote to me, but I want to state here clearly that I declined this offer for two reasons: I am not a tourist, so I am not interested in accepting the Chairmanship of Tourism. I am not knowledgeable about tourism.”
Ndume said his refusal is rooted in his broader concern for the welfare of Nigerians.
He stressed the importance of honesty and patriotism, urging leaders to address the truth about the country’s dire economic conditions.
“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 to anybody for that matter. It is unpatriotic not to speak the truth to power or anybody and still stand by that,” he asserted.
Drawing from Hausa wisdom, Ndume remarked, “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.”
Reflecting on his position and the nation’s plight, Ndume reiterated his commitment to honesty and transparency.
“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, to look into what I have said and take appropriate measures to alleviate the suffering,” he said.
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