Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has expressed concern over the erosion of public trust in Nigeria’s lawmakers, emphasizing that the parliament has strayed from the expectations of the people.
Ndume shared his views on Thursday during an interview on Politics Today, a Channels Television program.
The former Senate Chief Whip underscored the need to protect the integrity of the legislative arm, stating, “The legislature is supposed to be an institution that commands respect and confidence. Sadly, this is no longer the case.”
He pointed out that the 10th Senate reflects this declining confidence, as only 25 of the 109 senators were reelected. “Out of those that didn’t come back, almost all wanted to return, except for a few who aspired to governorships. This indicates a loss of confidence from the people,” Ndume lamented.
He further criticized lawmakers who compromise their values, saying, “Instead of sticking to what is true and right, if you deviate for whatever reason, you betray the trust of the people who elected you.”
On the Tax Reform Bills and Senate Disputes
Ndume also commented on the controversy surrounding the Tax Reform Bills, describing the legislative process as rushed and poorly managed. He referred to the events in the Senate on Wednesday, where a dispute arose over the unannounced presence of Zacch Adedeji, Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), in the red chamber. Adedeji’s appearance was not included in the day’s order paper, prompting Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele to move for the suspension of Senate rules.
Ndume opposed this procedural breach, citing Senate rules that prohibit visitors from addressing the chamber unless their appearance is officially scheduled. He explained, “That is why I raised the matter. If it was listed in the proceedings, there would have been no issue.”
While acknowledging the expertise of Zacch Adedeji and Taiwo Oyedele, the lead of Nigeria’s Tax Reform Committee, Ndume criticized their approach. “Zacch and Taiwo Oyedele are brilliant individuals, and I respect their intellect. But the way they are handling this tax reform process is not right,” he stated.
The senator’s remarks have drawn attention to the growing tension within the Senate regarding transparency and adherence to procedural norms, especially on issues as sensitive as tax reforms. Ndume’s candid critique of the legislature’s performance underscores the urgent need for reforms to rebuild public trust in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
