By Nathaniel Zaccheaus, Abuja
The Chairman of the Committee on Senate Services, Senator Sunday Karimi, yesterday reallocated an office on the Fourth Floor of the Senate Wing of the National Assembly to former Chief Whip, Senator Ali Ndume.
Karimi had in a letter addressed to Ndume dated July 29, allocated an office to the Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District on the third floor of the complex but Ndume, who is a high-ranking federal lawmaker, rejected it.
The Chairman of the Committee on Senate Services through another letter titled, “Re: Office Allocation,” dated July 31 and signed by the Clerk, Siyaka Abdulwahab Sadiq, withdrew the earlier allocation and offered a new one to the Senator.
Part of the new letter read, “I am pleased to inform you that the Chairman, Committee on Senate Services has approved the allocation of office number 4.31 (4th floor), New Wing, Senate Building to you.
“Please note that this letter supersedes the earlier one issued to you dated 29th July 2024. Kindly liaise with the Secretary, Estate, and Works Directorate, situated at office number 0.28, New Wing, Senate Building to undertake the necessary documentation and submission/collection of keys.”
Ndume had in a letter to the committee, a copy of which was sighted by our correspondent on Tuesday, said he would only occupy an office on the fourth floor being a very ranking senator.
The Senator in his letter to the Senate panel, dated 30th July 2024, and signed by his Chief Confidential Secretary, Shuaibu Gawu, explained that offices were traditionally allocated based on seniority.
Part of the letter, addressed to the Chairman, Senate Services Committee, and titled, “Re: Office Allocation” read, “I am directed to inform you that, distinguished Senator Ali Ndume, has rejected the allocation of office number 3.10 by the Committee.
“This is because offices are traditionally allocated on a seniority basis. Senator Ndume is the most senior senator after Senator Ahmad Lawan and will only occupy an office on the fourth floor,” the letter concluded.
