Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has rejected a new office allocation in the National Assembly complex, stating that the assignment does not reflect his seniority and status as a high-ranking member of the Senate.
Ndume, who was removed as Senate Chief Whip on July 17, expressed dissatisfaction with being reassigned to an office on the third floor, arguing that his seniority entitles him to a more prestigious location within the complex.
In a statement released on Tuesday by Yati Shuaibu Gawu, an aide to the senator, Ndume asserted his position as one of the most senior senators, ranking immediately after Senator Ahmad Lawan.
The statement emphasized that offices within the National Assembly are traditionally allocated based on seniority.
It reads: “I am directed to inform you that Distinguished Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume has rejected the allocation of office number 3.10 by the committee.
“This is because offices are traditionally allocated on a seniority basis. Sen. Ndume is the most senior senator after Sen. Ahmad Lawan and will only occupy an office on the fourth floor.”
Ndume’s removal as Senate Chief Whip followed allegations by the All Progressives Congress (APC) that he had made comments deemed hurtful to the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Subsequently, the APC asked him to resign from the party, appointing Senator Tahir Monguno of Borno North as the new Senate Chief Whip.
In addition to rejecting the office allocation, Ndume has also declined his recent appointment as the chairman of the Senate Committee on Tourism.
