Senate says lawmaker got handshakes and that's enough

The Nigerian Senate has reacted to media report that there is a contention between Bukola Saraki and Ali Ndume.

Saraki had ignored Ndume’s request for Senate to observe a one-minute silence for late Isiaka Adeleke having missed the opportunity to pay his last respect to the deceased during his period of suspension.

“Mr President, distinguished colleagues, you know that I’ve been away for seven and half months and coming in today,” Ndume said on Wednesday, November 15, 2017.

“We all know that in my absence, we lost Distinguished , who was sitting right behind me. I used to call him my landlord.

“I didn’t have the opportunity to pay my tribute, I want to appeal to this Senate to again stand for a minute silence and pray for the repose of his soul,” he concluded.

Ndume had barely sat down when Saraki responded: “Your point of order is noted”.

That was the end.

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Addressing journalists at the National Assembly on Thursday, November 16, 2017, Senate spokesman, SabiAbdullahi said Ndume’s request contradicts the rules of the upper legislative chamber.

“The point he raised about the one-minute silence for late Senator Adeleke contradicts our rules; I think rue 56(3) or so which says a matter that has already been taken and concluded shall not been taken except by a fresh motion which will be done by the leave of the Senate President,” Sabi said.

The Senate spokesman told journalists that Ndume exchanged handshakes with his colleagues when he arrived the red chamber.

Abdullahi urged Nigerians to dismiss any insinuation of grievance between Saraki, Ndume and other senators.

His words: “Ali Ndume is a senator just like everyone else in that chamber. He came back and went round to greet everybody. Did anyone turn him down when he stretched his hand for a shake? I shook him.

“Almost everyone else did too except those who were not within his reach. What more do you offer than a very good handshake? How do you show that you’ve missed a friend than a very good handshake? Do you expect us to get up and clap for him as he comes in? I don’t know what your definition of warm reception is.

“The media gave him a very good reception yesterday by focusing on his entrance into the chamber yesterday. He also gave us very good handshakes.

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“This is a very simple thing. He just wanted to express that he missed that moment when we stood up to observe that one-minute silence and he wanted to have his. But unfortunately, it goes against our rules. No hard feelings, we are all brothers.

“Let me also say that because punish your child does not mean that you hate the child or that you are a wicked person. In most instances, people who receive punishment turn out to be better. I want to assure you that you will see a better Ali Ndume in the chamber,” he added.

The Senate had on March 30, 2017, suspended Ndume sequel to recommendations by its committee on ethics and privileges on media reports against Bukola Saraki and Dino Melaye.