By Teddy Nwanunobi
Abuja (Sundiata Post) — Following his point of order, which led to the investigation of allegations of importing a bullet proof range rover with fake documents as regards the Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, and that of perjury involving Dino Daniel Jonah Melaye, the Senate, on Wednesday, suspended former Senate Majority Leader, Ali Ndume, for six months.
The suspension was sequel to the recommendations of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, led by Samuel Anyanwu, which had originally recommended, in its report, that Ndume be suspended for one full year.
According to the report, Ndume will be suspended for one year for failing to do due diligence before bringing up matters at plenary.
The Committee, which investigated the double allegations by Ndume last Monday, pointed out that Ndume failed to conduct proper investigation before making the allegations.
It would be recalled that Ndume had, last week, raised a Point of Order, where he notified the house of the allegation against Saraki, over the purchase of a Range Rover Jeep, which was said to have cost the Senate N298 million, with the Customs duties unpaid.
Ndume also drew the attention of the Senate to the alleged certificate forgery against Melaye.
During the investigative hearing, however, Ndume told the Anyanwu-led Committee that he did not make up the allegations or raise petitions against Saraki and Melaye.
Melaye
Ndume explained that he only raised the issues, which he read from the newspapers.
Before the votes were taken at the Plenary, which was presided over by the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, Barau Jibrin, in his contribution, said: “When we see anything against another senator, we must bring it to the floor of the Senate before making hurtful statement”.
