Ndume added that despite his decision to allow two of his daughters to marry Yoruba men, some people still consider him ignorant
By Kehinde Okeowo
Senator representing Borno State in Nigeria’s upper legislative house, Ali Ndume has launched a scanty attack on some of his detractors who call him “ignorant”.
He made his feelings known while featuring on Channels TV’s Politics Today, where he faulted those against his stance on President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform bill.
On Thursday, Ndume kicked against the bill, identifying timing as one of the elements drawing antagonism to it.
He said introducing such a bill at the moment was bad timing, noting the current perception of the present administration by the populace.
However, there was an uproar and a shouting match on the floor of the Senate after he drew his conclusions on the proposed tax reform.
One of those who disagreed with him, was Senate Chief Whip, Mohammed Monguno, who said Ndume’s submission calling for the withdrawal of the tax reform bill is purely academic and should not be considered by the Senate.
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Voicing his support for the tax bill, he said, “This procedure that Ndume has suggested is foreign to the process of legislative exercise and is purely academic, which should not be considered.
“It’s an academic exercise not worthy of legislative consideration, so Mr President, having said that, my contribution to the general principles of the bill is that this bill as proposed is novel and trying to reduce the tax burden on Nigerians. I support that this bill should go for a second reading.”
Reacting during the interview, Ndume said he taught in the polytechnic for 20 years before joining politics, adding that people see him as ignorant because he wears Agbada.
The federal lawmaker further noted that despite schooling in the United States and allowing two of his daughters to marry Yoruba men, some people still consider him ignorant.
“I’m 65 years old. I schooled in Nigeria and in America. Because I’m wearing Agbada and because I’m from Borno State, some people call me ignorant. I taught in polytechnics for 20 years before I joined politics. I married two of my daughters to Yoruba men.” Ndume said.
