The Clerk to the Senate, Mr. Nelson Ayewoh, has written to Senator Ali Ndume asking him to resume in plenary following the expiration of his suspension.
Senator Ali Ndume
The Senate has finally recalled its former Majority Leader, Ali Ndume, who was suspended ìn a controversial circumstances eight months ago.
The notification was sent in a letter addressed to Ndume by the Clerk to the Senate, Mr. Nelson Ayewoh,asking him to resume in plenary on Wednesday, November 15.
It would be recalled that Ndume (Borno South APC) was placed on suspension following the recommendation of the ethics and privileges committee of the Senate headed by Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
The committee was asked to investigate allegations against Dr. Bukola Saraki, the President of the Senate, and Senator Dino Melaye. Saraki and Melaye were found not guilty.
Ndume was then accused of raising a false alarm capable of tarnishing the image of his colleagues. The committee therefore recommended that Ndume be suspended for one year, that is 181 legislative days.
He was subsequently placed on six months suspension.
However in September, when the six months was deemed to have passed, the Senate issued a statement extending the suspension to November, on the excuse of discounting holidays and weekends.
A Federal High Court last week nullified the suspension, saying it was illegal. The court also ordered Ndume’s immediate reinstatement and payment of all his entitlements for the period of the suspension.
The Senate through its counsel, Mike Ozekhome, said on Sunday that it would appeal the ruling.
However, in a letter addressed to Ndume by the Clerk to the Senate, Mr. Nelson Ayewoh, the Senator was asked to resume in plenary on Wednesday, November 15.
“The suspension notice of the Senate vide Resolution S/Res/130/02/17 expires on November 14th, 2017.
“This communication is to inform the Distinguished Senator of your resumption in plenary scheduled for Wednesday, 15th November, 2017,” the clerk wrote.
The letter dated November 6 came four days before the Federal High Court in Abuja nullified Mr. Ndume’s suspension.
Ndume in a chat with some journalists said he has put his travails behind him as he is prepared to resume on Wednesday.
“I am reporting on Wednesday as directed and I hope to go back with renewed vigour in representing my people,” he said.
Asked why he went to court to challenge the action of his colleagues despite saying he holds no grudges against the senators, Ndume said it was to clear his name.
“I keep insisting I did no wrong and that is why I want that to be established. I want to set the record straight.”