NASS Renovation: Northern Youths Drag Ndume Over Plot To Destabilise Senate

A group, the Northern Ethnic Youths Group Assembly, NEYGA, has criticized Senator Ali Ndume over his recent comment on the renovation of the National Assembly.

Rather than dissipating his energy on such minute issues, the youths said Ndume representing Borno state in the Senate should focus on more important national issues.

Recall that Senator had in the course of the week, described the just renovated Senate Chamber as a “conference centre,” almost suggesting that the funds spent may not have been judiciously used.

Over N40 billion has been spent for the renovation, according to checks by the magazine.

Reacting, NEYGA said there are more important matters that require the attention of Senators, saying that what the NASS should focus on at the moment is how to turn the country around for the benefit of Nigerians.

According to the group, the NASS renovation is an internal issue that must be resolved as such, adding that Nigerians need not be involved.

Ibrahim Dan-Musa, the spokesman of the group said the Senate should concentrate on the serious business of lawmaking, warning against any plan to destabilise the upper chamber of the Assembly.

He said: “At a time when Nigerians are facing multiple taxations and levies, we expect the Senate leadership to engage in constructive dialogue and debate to alleviate the suffering of citizens.

“We are advising the Senate leadership to emulate the decorum and maturity displayed by their counterparts in the House of Representatives, as the Senate chamber is a revered institution for serious lawmaking, executive regulation, and government oversight.

“The group also called on Sen. Ndume to use his position as Chief Whip to ensure that the Senate focuses on important national issues and not get bogged down by internal affairs.

“They emphasised the need for the Senate to engage in constructive dialogue and debate to address the economic hardship facing Nigerians, rather than wasting time on trivial matters like renovation of the National Assembly chambers.”