Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, has said he was not in a position to reverse the suspension of the lawmaker representing Borno South in the Upper Chamber, Mohammed Ali Ndume.
Saraki who spoke to State House correspondents after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday, said Ndume’s suspension can only be reversed by the entire Senate.
Ndume, who is the immediate past Majority Leader, was suspended for six months last week for causing the Senate to investigate Saraki and Dino Melaye over the car purchase and certificate scandals respectively.
Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno state had also met Saraki to resolve the issue and convince him to recall Ndume.
“We should try and understand how the parliament works. I wish I had such powers, these powers you give me. I wish I had them.
The Senate President or Speaker is first among equals. They are just presiding officers but unfortunately, you know the legislative arm is the youngest, people don’t understand. People give us these powers that we have. “Decisions that are taken in plenary are decisions of all but I have a role to be able to convey the message. I will convey the message of the governor of Borno and the Senate is one,” he said.
Saraki also told journalists that he discussed the 2017 Budget, Electoral Act amendment and other national issues with the President, insisting that the relationship between the two arms of government are cordial.
Also speaking, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, said his visit to the State House was for routine consultations.
