By Baron Ike
Senate President Bukola Saraki has said that he has no power to reverse the suspension of suspended former Senate leader, Ali Ndume.
Saraki told reporters on Monday, April 3 that contrary to insinuations he does not have the power to recall Ndume to the Upper Legislative Chambers.
Ndume was suspended for six months last week after the Senate investigated media reports alleging that Saraki failed to pay requisite import duty for an SUV vehicle he imported.
Ndume had also requested investigation into reports that a Kogi State Senator, Dino Melaye, may not have graduated from Ahmadu Bello University.
The ethics and privileges committee set up to consider both claims discovered they were false and proceeded to clear both senators.
The Sam Daddy Anyanwu led committee also recommended the suspension of Ndume for one year before the Senate reduced it to six months.
Following the suspension, various groups have reportedly been meeting with Saraki to plead for the recall of Ndume who represents Borno South in the senate.
For instance, on Friday, March 31, Governor Kashim Shettima led a delegation to see Saraki on the matter.
In a chat with State House correspondents shortly after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, Saraki retorted when asked to recall Ndume: “I wish I have such powers.”
He explained that the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives could not do anything unilaterally which the two chambers do not want done, adding that they are just first among equals.