Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South in the National Assembly, has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his political appointments since assuming office, accusing him of breaching constitutional provisions on federal character.
Tinubu has faced criticism from various quarters over what some see as a pattern of favouring his South West base in key political appointments. Ndume, speaking during an interview on Arise TV, said the president’s appointments violate Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates equitable representation of Nigeria’s diverse regions in federal appointments.
Ndume, who was previously removed from his position as Senate Chief Whip, partly over his critical stance on Tinubu’s administration, insisted the appointments made so far have not reflected the diversity required by law.
“The figures are there. It’s not that I’m just making accusations or that the president has no right to make appointments. But it’s a constitutional provision. Section 14(3) of the constitution is very, very clear on that,” he said.
“When you look at it vis-à-vis the appointments made so far, especially political appointments, it is obvious they do not reflect the federal character. And that is not the case here,” he added.
The senator said his intervention was not personal but a call for the president to correct what he described as “infractions” before they lead to political consequences.
“I am only calling the attention of Mr President to such infractions so that he can correct them, so it will not boomerang at a certain period of time,” he said.
He defended his comments as part of his constitutional responsibility as a lawmaker.
“I know people see me as someone who is critical of the government. I have the right to do that. In fact, that’s why I’m in the National Assembly. Collectively, we are supposed to oversee the acts of Mr President and point out these irregularities. That is what we swore to do. It’s not personal,” he said.
Ndume also said he was not afraid of potential backlash for speaking out.
“Each one of us will stand before God and account for what he is responsible for. Besides, we are all in this government. What will we tell our people? These figures are already viral, already in circulation.
“But you know what, after this interview, those attack dogs or ‘maga-dogs’ will start attacking Ndume, not the message,” he said.
He maintained that his stance was not about personal ambition or identity.
“This is not about Ndume or me being a senator. As a Nigerian, I have the right to voice out all these things. Not only that, I have the right to even protest. That is guaranteed by the constitution,” he said.
“But from tomorrow, those so-called Tinubu boys or people will start attacking Ndume. These are the facts,” he added.
