Spokesman of the senate, Sabi Abdullahi, says the suspension handed Senator Ali Ndume of Borno South, was not meted out of hate, but will make a better version of him.
On Wednesday, Ndume resumed his responsibilities as a lawmaker after 90 legislative days’ suspension.
Abdullahi, who was speaking to journalists on Thursday, assured the general public that very soon they will see a better Ali Ndume in the chamber.
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He said: “Let me also say that because punish your child does not mean that you hate the child or that you are a wicked person. In most instances, people who receive punishment turn out to be better. I want to assure you that you will see a better Ali Ndume in the chamber.
“Ali Ndume is a senator just like everyone else in that chamber. He came back and went round to greet everybody. Did anyone turn him down when he stretched his hand for a shake? I shook him. Almost everyone else did too except those who were not within his reach.
“What more do you offer than a very good handshake? How do you show that you’ve missed a friend than a very good handshake? Do you expect us to get up and clap for him as he comes in? I don’t know what your definition of warm reception is.
“The media gave him a very good reception yesterday by focusing on his entrance into the chamber yesterday. He also gave us very good handshakes.
“The point he raised about the one-minute silence for late Senator Adeleke contradicts our rules; I think rue 56(3) or so which says a matter that has already been taken and concluded shall not be taken except by a fresh motion which will be done by the leave of the senate president.
“This is a very simple thing. He just wanted to express that he missed that moment when we stood up to observe that one-minute silence and he wanted to have his. But unfortunately, it goes against our rules. No hard feelings, we are all brothers.”