Tinubu’s Appointments Lopsided, In Breach Of Federal Character – Ndume

Abuja, Nigeria– Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South in the National Assembly, has accused President Bola Tinubu of breaching Nigeria’s federal character principle with his political appointments.

In a statement made during an interview on Arise TV on Monday, Ndume argued that the president’s appointments fail to reflect the country’s diversity as required by the 1999 Constitution.

Ndume pointed to what he described as “lopsided” appointments that are inconsistent with Section 14(3) of the Constitution, which mandates that political positions should reflect Nigeria’s ethnic and regional diversity.

According to the lawmaker, the figures supporting his claims are readily available.

“The figures are there. You can look at the figures. I sent you one. I sent you figures. It’s not that I’m just making accusations. And it’s not that I’m saying the president has no right to do that kind of thing,” Ndume explained.

“But it’s a constitutional provision. Section 14[3] of the constitution is very, very clear.”

He further emphasised the importance of adhering to the constitutional directive to avoid divisiveness and ensure fairness in governance.

“When you look at it vis-à-vis the appointments made so far, and there are political appointments, the constitution is very clear. It is because of avoiding such infractions that the constitution clearly states that appointments, especially political appointments, should reflect the federal character, and that is not the case here.”

Ndume’s criticism was not aimed at personally attacking President Tinubu but rather at pointing out what he sees as a mistake that could have long-term consequences.

“All I am saying is to call the attention of Mr President to such infractions so that it can be corrected; otherwise, you know, these things can boomerang at a certain period of time,” Ndume cautioned.

Clarifying his stance, Ndume underscored that his role as a lawmaker is to oversee and challenge government actions, a duty he believes is enshrined in his constitutional mandate.

“I know, as you rightly say, people look at me as somebody that is critical of the government. I have the right to do that in the first place. And in fact, that’s why I’m in the National Assembly in the first place.”

He added that it was his responsibility, along with other lawmakers, to highlight irregularities in government actions.

“Collectively, we are supposed to oversee the acts of Mr President and point out some of these irregularities. That is what we swore to do. It’s not personal.”

The senator also acknowledged the potential backlash he could face from the president’s supporters, who, he claimed, may attack him personally rather than address the substance of his concerns.

“Each one of us will stand before God, and God will ask him to account for what he is responsible for. Besides, we are all in this government. What will we tell our people? When you have these figures out, it is already viral, it is already in circulation,” Ndume said.

“After this interview, those attack dogs or maga-dogs will start attacking Ndume, not the message. It 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. I have the right. That is guaranteed by the constitution. But from tomorrow, those so-called Tinubu boys or people will start attacking Ndume. These are the facts,” he added.