Senator Ndume Clears Air Over Alleged Rift With Senate President

The Senate Chief Whip, Senator Ali Ndume, has cleared air over reports of rift with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

Recall that in October, Akpabio and Ndume were involved in a shouting match on the floor of the Senate.

Ndume, during the plenary, had raised a point of order in protest against how Akpabio was handling the affairs of the upper chamber.

He was reported to have cited order 54 of the Senate Standing Orders and raised a point of order, but the Senate President ruled him out of order.

After he was ruled out of order, the Borno lawmaker staged a walkout and returned to his office.

However, while featuring on the Arise TV programme, Morning Show on Friday, Ndume said he is older than Akpabio and can advise him on issues concerning the Senate.

He noted that disagreement could happen between them but would not degenerate into a fight, adding they are colleagues and have the same interests.

He said, “I’m older than Akpabio and can advise him on issues of the Senate. I was the DG campaign of Akpabio, so by virtue of my position, I was his number one supporter and marketer to become the Senate President.

“We can disagree to agree, but not to fight. Myself and Akpabio are colleagues, we have the same interest.”