Borno Governor, Shettima meets Saraki over Senator’s suspension

The Borno state Governor, Kashim Shettima and some Northern elders met with the Senate President, Bukola Saraki to discuss Senator Ali Ndume’s suspension.

According to Premium Times, the delegation led by Shettima, met Saraki in his house at night, on Thursday, March 30, 2017.

An inside source also confirmed the report, saying , “The purpose of the visit was for mediation.

“They went to meet other leaders in Senate as well.”

Ndume had helped Saraki in his bid to become Senate President, against the wish of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

There are unconfirmed speculations that Saraki and Ndume’s relationship became strained, when the latter showed support for the acting Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu.

Magu’s confirmation as EFCC chairman was rejected by the Senate twice, following a Department of State Services (DSS) report indicting him of corruption.

Ndume had openly shown his support for Magu in the media, and even issued statements that were contrary to the Senate’s stand.

According to reports, Governor Shettima also met with vocal Senator, Dino Melaye to broker peace between the feuding allies.

A source close to the Governor said “Borno can’t afford not to have a Senator like Ndume in the Senate for six months.

“Borno is a peculiar case.”

ALSO READ: Dino Melaye tells Ndume to show remorse, apologise to Saraki

“Moreso, some of the worst hit areas, like Gwoza, Damboa, fall within Mr. Ndume’s constituency, therefore he has to be there (in the Senate) to push their interests as he is also part of the presidential committee on north east,” another source said.

Senator Dino Melaye has also called on his colleague, Ali Ndume to apologise to the Senate President, Bukola Saraki.