Ndume seeks probe of Saraki, Melaye

There is obvious indication of a serious in-house fighting brewing up in the upper legislative Chamber of the National Assembly as it seems a group of senators maybe be gearing up for a showdown with the Leadership of the Senate.

This indication emerged on Tuesday when the deposed leader of the Senate, Senator Ali Ndume, through a point of order called on the Senate to investigate certain allegations against the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and Chairman of the Senate Committee on FCT, Senator Dino Melaye.

Ndume called for the investigation of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki and Dino Melaye, over the face-off with the Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) and certificate forgery allegation leveled against Melaye.

Senator Ndume, who came under a motion of national importance, said Saraki, according to a story published by an online newspaper, sanctioned the summon of the NCS, over claims that his bullet proof Ranger Rover Sport was impounded on the orders of Ali.

On the part of Melaye, Ndume said that an online platform published a story that the Kogi State born Senator did not obtain a degree in Geography from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

Ndume drew instances from four scenarios. He said a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Salisu Buhari, was accused of certificate forgery and how he eventually cleared his name.

He said former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara, was also accused when he held sway as Senate boss. According to Ndume, Wabara also cleared his name.

He said the current Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Bello Masari, as Speaker of the House of Representatives, was accused of certificate forgery, but went ahead and cleared his name.

His last reference was made to Dimeji Bankole, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives. He said he was accused of not writing his Senior Secondary School Examination. Again, Ndume said he cleared his name.

Ndume said: “This matter borders on our privileges. One has to do with the Senator Bukola Saraki, the Senate President and it was reported in a paper I have it here. The newspaper said the Senate is on vengeance after Nigeria Customs seized Senator Saraki’s bullet proof Range Rover over fake documents.

“My colleagues that are following events, particularly online, have seen or heard or read the rein of abuses on this Senate and the misconception of the fact that we invited the Customs boss based on a very unpopular policy that affects the people we represent, but now we are faced with this.

“During the 4th Assembly, Salisu Buhari was accused of certificate forgery. He was investigated and determined after that. In the 5th Assembly, Bello Masari was accused of certificate forgery (secondary school). He was investigated and was cleared.

“In the 6th Senate, Dimeji Bankole was accused of not having NYSC certificate, it was investigated and he showed his NYSC certificate.

“Now, that brings me to the second matter in the National Assembly. In the 4th Assembly, Senate President, Adolphus Wabara was accused of collecting a bribe and it was investigated and determined. So, a lot of precedence have been set.

“Now, the second matter of privileges affects my colleague Dino Melaye and it is in the paper today.‎ Therefore, accordingly, I will appeal we refer the matter to Ethics and Privileges to investigate so that our colleagues would be cleared and this senate will stand as it supposed to.”

Senator Melaye who was in the chamber when Ndume raised the twin issues, did not react or counter the statement.
With the nod of the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over the day’s legislative business, Ndume submitted some newspaper publications, after which the matter was referred to Senator Samuel Anyanwu-led committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions for further investigation.

But in a swift reaction, the office of the Senate President reacted to the allegation exonerating him from the allegation.

A statement signed by Saraki’s Senior Adviser (Media and Publicity), Yusuph Olaniyonu, said Saraki has nothing to do with importation of vehicle.

Olaniyonu, stated that the allegation raised by Senator Ali Ndume linking Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki to the importation of vehicle lacks basis as it was outright falsehood.

He that said from the facts and documents about the seized vehicle, it is obvious that the Senate President has nothing to do with the importation of any vehicle.

“A supplier was engaged by the Senate to supply a vehicle. While transferring the vehicle between Lagos and Abuja, it was impounded by the Customs. We believe that is an issue between the supplier and the Customs because the Senate has not taken delivery. So, why is somebody trying to drag in the name of Saraki into the issue?

“The documents on the vehicle are there for the general public to view and make their conclusions. Now that the matter has been referred to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, all the facts will be out,” Olaniyonu stated.