By Baron Ike
Former leader of the Senate, Ali Ndume was on Wednesday, March29 sent on suspension by the leadership of the Upper Legislative Chambers.
This was even as Senate President Bukola Saraki and Senator Dino Melaye were cleared of any wrongdoing in the matters that led to the sitting of the Ethics and Privileges Committee.
The Senate reached the decision after the resolution to uphold the recommendation of its Committee on Ethics and Privileges chaired by Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
Ndume has been having a running battle with the Saraki-led Senate since he was removed as its former leader.
But the latest development where Ndume accused and asked for investigation of allegations of importation of a bullet proof range rover with fake documents involving Saraki and also of perjury involving Melaye, seem to have drowned him.
Ndume was suspended for six months, instead of one year originally recommended by the ethics committee.
Anyanwu, whose committee convened investigative hearing on the two matters on Monday, March 27 reported that Ndume failed to conduct proper investigation before making “the allegations”.
But during the investigative hearing by the committee, Ndume said he did not make allegation or raise a petition against the duo of Melaye and Saraki but only raised the issues, having read them in the newspaper.
Last week, Ndume complained that the issue of the vehicles and Melaye’s certificate had made the Senate a subject of public ridicule, hence he called for probe.
“When we see anything against another Senator, we must bring it to the floor of the Senate before making hurtful statement,” said Barau Jibrin in his contribution before Wednesday’s vote was taken.