Be a part of us, SDP tells Ndume, criticises APC, Presidency

The Social Democratic Get together (SDP) has invited a senator, Ali Ndume, to hitch its fold.

Mr Ndume was just lately eliminated because the Senate Chief Whip following a request by the ruling APC after Mr Ndume criticised President Bola Tinubu.

The Nationwide Chairman of SDP, Shehu Gabam, prolonged the invitation at a information convention on Thursday in Abuja.

Mr Gabam mentioned that the SDP condemned Mr Ndume’s removing as Senate Chief Whip for criticising the federal government, its programmes, and its insurance policies.

He mentioned that the SDP thought-about the recommendation by the management of the All Progressives Congress (APC) that Mr Ndume was free to hitch any opposition get together as an act of intolerance.

Mr Ndume, who represents Borno South (APC-Borno), was eliminated on Wednesday because the Senate’s Chief Whip and changed by Mohammed Monguno, who represents Borno North (APC-Borno).

The choice adopted a letter entitled “Complaints Towards the Unbecoming Utterances of Sen. Ali Ndume” learn by the Senate President Godswill Akpabio, throughout plenary on Wednesday.

The letter was signed by the APC Nationwide Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, and the Nationwide Secretary, Ajibola Basiru.

Mr Gabam mentioned Mr Ndume’s criticism of the federal government’s insurance policies and their influence on Nigerians was not solely official but in addition a testomony to his dedication to the well-being of the residents.

He mentioned that as an alternative of changing Mr Ndume because the Senate’s Chief Whip, the APC and authorities ought to have investigated his real points and addressed these issues that involved Nigerians.

“The SDP believes that criticism is crucial to a wholesome democracy, and we is not going to stand idly by whereas the APC seeks to stifle dissenting voices.

“We prolong an official invitation to Senator Ndume to hitch our get together and proceed his quest for social justice, good governance, and the entrenchment of democratic ideas.

“To Senator Ndume, we are saying: your brave stand towards the APC’s authoritarian tendencies is laudable, and we welcome you to our fold.

“Collectively, we will proceed to advocate for the rights of Nigerians and be certain that our democracy stays vibrant and inclusive,’’ he mentioned.

Mr Gabam mentioned that Mr Ndume was not only a rating senator however one of the crucial skilled parliamentarians in Nigeria at present.

He suggested the APC and the Presidency to embrace criticism, hearken to Nigerians’ considerations, and work in the direction of constructing a extra inclusive and participatory democracy.

He mentioned that Mr Ndume’s removing was of grave concern and didn’t augur nicely for the Senate and the manager.

He likened it to Sen. Abdul Ningi’s suspension for elevating a difficulty of alleged price range padding.

“Not too long ago, president of the ninth Senate, Sen. Ahmed Lawan, additionally raised severe concern and Sen. Adams Oshiomole suffered comparable fates for talking reality to energy.

“This development is alarming and undermines the ideas of democracy and truthful listening to,” he mentioned.

He suggested the ruling get together to hearken to the voices of Nigerians saying, “constructing a democracy shouldn’t be a person affair, however a collective accountability.’’

READ ALSO: UPDATED: Senate sacks Ndume as chief whip for criticising Tinubu, reshuffles committees

Mr Gabam additionally hailed the latest Supreme Court docket judgment affirming monetary autonomy for native governments within the nation, describing it as a victory for democracy.

Whereas commending the federal authorities for initiating the go well with, Mr Gabam appealed to state governors to instantly comply to make sure that the third tier of presidency was in charge of its monetary affairs.

(NAN)