Leaders of the Southern Borno Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have called for the prompt reinstatement of Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume to his former role as Senate Chief Whip.
During a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, APC spokesperson Baba Ahmed Mustapha expressed strong support for Ndume, praising his candidness in addressing the challenges faced by Nigerians under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The APC leaders urged the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC and the Senate to restore Ndume to his position, emphasizing his continued loyalty to the party.
They also criticized a recent attack on Ndume by Daniel Bwala, dismissing him as inconsistent and questioning his political legacy. The group found it puzzling that Bwala, who had earlier condemned President Tinubu’s mandate, is now backing the very system he criticized.
They defended Ndume’s right to voice concerns, asserting that his remarks were made in good faith and aimed at urging government action rather than undermining it.
“We appreciate and respect Daniel Bwala’s right to express his opinion on any issue as guaranteed by the Constitution just as the Senator when he knew that the observations made were within the bounds of the Constitution.
“As a learned lawyer, he knew that the provision of section 39 which guarantees the freedom of expression is applicable to all citizens. We make no excuses for the Senator. As a being, he has deficiencies. As a politician, he may not have lived up to people’s expectations. But we are proud that he has stood up to be counted when it matters most.
“He refused to behave like the ostrich, who, seeing the approaching storm, buried its head in the sand. His statement was made within the context of a call for proactive action by the government rather than an instigation against it,” the APC leaders said.
