In what appeared a continuation of contention between the two, the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, on Tuesday rejected an appeal by former Majority Leader, Ali Ndume, for a minute silence for deceased senator, Isiaka Adeleke.
Ndume had sought the leave of the Senate to grant him the privilege of paying a last respect to his friend, Adeleke, who he described as his ‘landlord.’
He sought the privilege while quoting the Senate standing order 14(a, b and c)
The Senate had on April 25 observed a minute silence for the late senator, but Ndume requested for another minute of silence due to his absence.
“Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, you know that I’ve been away for seven and half months and coming in today, we all know that in my absence, we lost Distinguished Senator Isiaka Adeleke, who was sitting right behind me. I used to call him my landlord. I didn’t have the opportunity to pay my tribute, I want to appeal to this Senate to again stand for a minute silence and pray for the repose of his soul.”
But Saraki in response, did not seek the leave of the Senate to either grant the prayer or not as is the usual practice.
“Your point of order is noted,” Saraki replied without putting any question to other lawmakers.
Ndume had stirred the hornets’ nest when he asked the Senate to investigate public allegations of impropriety against the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and another senator, Dino Melaye.
Following recommendations by the Ethics and Privileges Committee, the Senate on March 30 suspended Ndume.
The former Senate Majority Leader resumed on Wednesday following the conclusion of his suspension.
Earlier last week, a court nullified his suspension and ordered payment of all his entitlements for the period.
Meanwhile, Ndume, has opened up on why he headed to court to seek judicial ruling on his suspension.
While addressing journalists at the National Assembly after his resumption on Wednesday, the lawmaker said his action was beyond a personal struggle but a fight for democracy.
“I really do not want you to feel that I’m taking this on anybody. No. This is a democracy and there are structures on ground to test our nascent democracy,” Ndume said.
“I didn’t go to court for my personal reason. I went to court to find out if what was done to me was right or wrong. The court decided that what was done to me was wrong but the Senate says it would appeal the judgment.
“Whatever I did is not personal and I am not taking it personally against anybody. If anybody thinks my action is personal, I live that to God who is the ultimate judge and we will all account for our deeds in the world after.”
