By Nwosu Colins
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has made changes to its leadership in the 10th Senate, removing Senator Ali Ndume from his position as Chief Whip. Senator Tahir Mongunu, who chairs the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, has been appointed as his replacement. Both senators hail from Borno State in the North-east region, marking a shift in the party’s leadership in the upper chamber.
The removal of Senator Ndume as Chief Whip was prompted by a letter from the APC National Chairman, Alhaji Umar Ganduje, and National Secretary, Senator Bashir Ajibola, instructing the Senate to take action.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, put the motion to a voice vote during Wednesday’s plenary session, and it was approved by a majority of APC senators, paving the way for the appointment of Senator Tahir Mongunu as the new Chief Whip.
His removal as Chief Whip has been linked to his recent controversial statements criticizing President Bola Tinubu. In an interview with journalists last week, Ndume reportedly claimed that the President was being isolated at the villa and was out of touch with the widespread suffering and hunger faced by Nigerians, sparking speculation that his comments may have led to his removal from the key leadership position.