The leadership of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, on Thursday kicked against the removal of Senator Ali Ndume as the Chief Whip of the Senate, describing It as as a threat to the nation’s growing democracy.
Addressing news men in Abuja, the National Chairman of the Party, Alhaji Shehu Gabam saluted the courageous stand of the Senator against the APC’s authoritarian tendencies, and urged to come over to the Social Democratic Party.
According to him, “I stand before you today to address a pressing concern that threatens the very fabric of our democracy. The recent removal of Sen. Ali Ndume as Chief Whip of the Senate, coupled with the intolerance displayed by the Presidency and the All Progressives Congress (APC), is a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked power.
“Sen. Ndume’s criticism of the government’s policies and their impact on Nigerians is not only legitimate but also a testament to his commitment to the well-being of our citizens. Yet, instead of engaging with his concerns, the APC leadership chose to silence him through removal and intimidation.
“This is not an isolated incident. We recall the experiences of Sen. Abdul Ningi, who was suspended for raising an issue of alleged padding of the budget, an issue of grave concern that casts aspersions on the integrity of both the Senate and Presidency.
“Recently, former president of the 9th Senate, Sen. Ahmed Lawan, also raised serious concern and , Sen. Adams Oshiomole suffered similar fates for speaking truth to power. This trend is alarming and undermines the principles of democracy and fair hearing.
How about Sen. Adams Oshiomole who has been crying out like a voice in the wilderness, calling the administration’s attention to the effects of many of it’s policies and how they threaten the advancement of a truly democratic and developing nation like Nigeria.
“Personally, the Asiwaju Bola Tinubu I know and interact with is a bridge builder who over the years have proven to be people-oriented and detribalised. He welcomes everyone with open arms and is always ready to make adjustments upon the proof of superiority of ideas and ideals. But what we witness currently is a President under whose watch uncalculated decisions are made which effect has set the country on a free fall in almost all ramifications. The only thing left of our country now are human beings who cannot tell where their next meal is coming from, a people who cannot close their two eyes to sleep without their lives being threatened by insecurity.
” This is not the democracy that all our compatriots including Bola Tinubu himself fought for in the dark days of military rule in this country.
” The SDP believes that criticism is essential to a healthy democracy, and we will not stand idly by while the APC seeks to stifle dissenting voices. We extend an official invitation to Sen. Ali Ndume to join our party and continue his quest for social justice, good governance, and the entrenchment of democratic principles.
” To Sen. Ndume, we say: your courageous stand against the APC’s authoritarian tendencies is laudable, and we welcome you to our fold. Together, we shall continue to advocate for the rights of Nigerians and ensure that our democracy remains vibrant and inclusive.
“To the APC and the Presidency, we say: embrace criticism, listen to the concerns of Nigerians, and work towards building a more inclusive and participatory democracy. Let us unite to restore Nigeria’s democracy and ensure that the voices of our citizens are heard”.
