By John Joseph
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Mohammed Ali Ndume, the ousted Senate Chief Whip, has rejected the chairmanship of the Committee on Tourism offered to him, stating that he is not a tourist. Ndume made this statement at his residence in Maiduguri, Borno State capital, on Friday, where he was hosting journalists for the third day prayers for his late sister-in-law.
“I’m Not a Tourist
“Numerous said, “As for the Chairman Senate Committee on Tourism offered to me, I want to say that I am not a tourist and not good in tourism. As it is, I have spent over 10 years without going to any foreign countries. I have never been to the United Kingdom, UK. Even the United States of America which I went was when I was schooling there.
“On Minimum Wage
Ndume also commended President Bola Tinubu on the N70,000 new minimum wage but noted that it was minimal compared to a 50kg bag of rice which costs over N70,000. “I am happy; yesterday the President approved the minimum wage to N70,000 only.
It is a good move. But the minimum wage is still minimal compared to a 50kg bag of rice which costs over N70,000.
“Removal as Chief Whip
Ndume stated that he stood by his comments that led to his removal as Chief Whip but accepted his removal. “I had wanted to react. But I was mourning. I now deem it feet to do so.
I am a democrat and a realist, and someone who always says the truth no matter whose ox is gored.
“Patriotism
Ndume quoted former US President Theodore Roosevelt, saying, “Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the president or any other public official, save exactly to the degree in which he himself stands by the country.
It is patriotic to support him insofar as he efficiently serves the country. It is unpatriotic not to oppose him to the exact extent that by inefficiency or otherwise he fails in his duty to stand by the country. In either event, it is unpatriotic not to tell the truth, whether about the president or anyone else.
“No Regrets
Ndume continued, “Therefore, I have not regretted what I said during my interview with Arise TV.
I thank all Nigerians who took to their social media platforms and groups who issued a press statement aligning with my statement regarding excruciating hunger and insecurity under President Bola Tinubu.
“No Court Action
Ndume stated that he would not take the matter to court, saying, “I surrendered my case to Almighty Allah (God).
” He called on his supporters and Nigerians to continue to pray for God to have mercy on the masses, restore peace in the land, and to remain calm and law-abiding always as things unfold.