Following the Clash with Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday, Senate Chief Whip Senator Ali Ndume revealed his reason for leaving the chamber.
Ndume voiced concerns about what he perceived to be Senate infractions during the plenary session.
Using a point of order, the senator from Borno South alerted the Senate President to what he saw as “procedural infringements” occurring in the chamber.
Since Akpabio cut off Ndume’s remarks, the senator was in violation of established parliamentary practice and departed the room.
Ndume, in an interview with BBC Hausa, clarified that his choice to leave during the discussion of a subject pertaining to the closing of Nigeria Border
He explained that the situation stemmed, “when Senator Kawu Sumaila proposed a motion which he said was urgent on closing the border between Nigeria and Niger.
“At first, it was argued that the motion was not urgent, but the president of the Senate let him finish what he wanted to say.
“After hearing the motion, it was agreed that since it is related to security, it should be suspended.”
He also mentioned that he intended to clarify the importance of the motion to the assembly, but the Senate President refused to grant him the chance to address the issue.
“I would like to clarify that the motion, although impactful, falls outside the jurisdiction of the Nigerian Senate.
“The closure of the border was not initiated by the President of Nigeria, but rather during his tenure as President of ECOWAS. As such, he has the authority to advocate on our behalf.
“In order to address this matter, it is imperative to involve the President of our nation, but I was not afforded the opportunity to convey this message.
“While this was happening, it coincided with the time of prayer, prompting my departure. Consequently, my colleagues misconstrued my exit, and the journalists changed the meaning of my exit,” Ndume said.
