Protests broke out today in the streets of Abuja as individuals from Borno South rallied for the reinstatement of Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume as Chief Whip of the Senate.
The demonstration, organized by the Borno South Development Association, took place at Unity Fountain and was aimed at reversing the recent decision that saw Ndume removed from his position.
Senator Ndume, who represents the Borno South senatorial district, was dismissed following critical remarks he made about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. The decision to remove Ndume came after a directive from the national leadership of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). Alongside his ousting as Chief Whip, Ndume also lost his role as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations.
In his place, Senator Tahir Monguno of APC Borno North has been appointed as the new Chief Whip.
During the protest, Mohammed Ibrahim Biu, leader of the demonstrators, spoke to reporters, condemning Ndume’s removal. Biu argued that Ndume has been a dedicated and effective Senator whose removal was unjust. He emphasized that Ndume’s dismissal not only impacts Borno South but Nigeria as a whole, and called for Senate President Godswill Akpabio to restore Ndume to his former role.
The protesters’ call for justice reflects ongoing tensions within Nigerian politics, highlighting the broader implications of political disagreements on individual lawmakers and their constituencies.
