Rita Odafe
The Labour Party has criticized the removal of Ali Ndume as the Chief Whip of the Senate, representing Borno South senatorial district.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced Ndume’s removal following a letter from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) instructing his removal as a principal officer.
The APC also urged Ndume, known for his criticism of President Bola Tinubu, to resign and join an opposition party.
The Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, condemned Ndume’s removal, stating that it reflects a suppression of dissent in Nigeria.
Ifoh highlighted Ndume’s outspokenness on issues like rising costs of living and food scarcity as the reason for his removal.
He raised concerns about the dictatorship-like tendencies displayed by the Senate in handling dissenting voices within the government.
Previously, Senator Abdul Ningi faced suspension for exposing corruption in the government, indicating a pattern of stifling opposition voices.
The economic challenges in Nigeria, including high food inflation, have further exacerbated the situation.
Ifoh criticized the government for prioritizing expenditures on unnecessary projects while neglecting critical economic issues.
He questioned the government’s interference in the leadership appointments within the legislative branch, calling it an attack on legislative autonomy.
He warned against the growing trend of dictatorship and called on citizens to defend against such authoritarian practices.
