The Labour Party has condemned the removal of Senator Ali Ndume as the Senate’s chief whip, asserting that speaking truth to power has become a crime under the current administration.
“The action of the APC and Senate leadership signifies that ‘speaking truth to power’ is now a crime in Nigeria,” stated Obiora Ifoh, the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party.
He criticized the Goodwill Akpabio-led Senate for its treatment of Ndume, accusing it of displaying dictatorial tendencies.
Ndume was removed for his outspoken stance on issues affecting the masses, including the escalating cost of living and food scarcity. He accused President Bola Tinubu of ignoring the severe hunger crisis in the country.
“The direction this administration is taking is grave,” Ifoh remarked. He pointed to the suspension of Senator Abdul Ningi, who had exposed budget padding within the government, as another example of the ruling party’s oppressive tactics.
Ifoh highlighted the dire economic situation, citing the National Bureau of Statistics’ report that food inflation has risen to 40.66 percent. He also referenced a global report indicating that food insecurity in Nigeria has more than doubled in three years, from 63.8 million people between 2014 and 2016 to 148.7 million between 2020 and 2022.
“Despite these alarming challenges, the government has reportedly spent N150 billion on a presidential jet and other non-essential projects,” Ifoh noted. He criticized media self-censorship due to fear of government retaliation and questioned the ruling party’s influence over independent legislative decisions.
“This is clear tyranny,” he declared. “Nigeria is gradually descending into dictatorship, and we urge citizens to remain vigilant and resist the administration’s starvation tactics.”
