WHY I CALLED FOR INVESTIGATION OF SARAKI AND DINO -SENATOR NDUME

Erstwhile Senate leader, Ali Ndume has stated that he has no ill feelings against the Senate President, Bukola Saraki and Senator Dino Melaye.

He spoke with regards to his call for their investigation for their alleged involvement in various scandals.

While responding to questions, when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Public Petitions, Ethics and Privileges in Abuja, he said there was nothing 'ulterior', noting that the Senate was being bashed in the media as a result of the allegations against the duo.

He was emphatic that the allegations having attracted wild reactions from the public with heaps of abuses, he considered it necessary for the matter to be presented through order 14 and 15 for further investigations by the appropriate Committee.

He noted further: "I am happy now that since I called for investigation through a motion, public abuses on the Senate has mellowed down as those colleagues have been explaining and clarifying issues", Ndume said.

Chairman of the Committee, Senator Samuel Anyanwu asked if he was sure of those allegations before tabling them on floor.

Ndume maintained that he drew the attention of the Senate in line with precedents on similar issues, adding that the integrity of the Senate needed to be protected.

Senator Matthew Urhoghide asked on why he did not write petition against Saraki and Dino, reminding him that the Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, who earlier before them, testified that Dino Melaye graduated from the school in 2000.

Ndume maintained that it would amount to witch-hunting, going about looking for documentary evidences to write petition, stressing that the Committee had what it take to investigate further.

"I am also satisfied that the Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Professor Ibrahim Garba has testified that Dino Melaye graduated from the school", he told the Committee.

"As far as I am concerned, nobody will ridicule the Senate on these matters anymore and since the day I raised the motion, I have restricted myself from comments in the media to allow the Committee do their investigations", he added.