Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Ndume highlighted that, in the aftermath of the 2023 general elections, only 25 out of the 109 senators from the previous Assembly returned to the upper chamber.
“This means we have lost the confidence of the people,” he said.
“Out of those that didn’t come back, almost all wanted to return, except for a few who sought governorship positions,” Ndume emphasised the need to protect the integrity of the legislature, stressing that when lawmakers fail to meet public expectations, it amounts to a breach of trust.
Ndume also commented on a recent uproar in the Senate concerning President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bills.
Tensions flared on Wednesday when Ndume objected to the presence of Zacch Adedeji, Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), in the Senate, as his briefing was not listed on the agenda.
Ndume, citing Senate rules, argued that visitors should not be allowed to address the chamber without prior notice. “That is why I raised the matter. If not, why not?” he questioned, labelling the incident an “ambush.”
The senator’s remarks come amid growing calls for greater accountability and transparency within Nigeria’s legislature, as public dissatisfaction with lawmakers continues to mount.