Wednesday, 09 April 2025 04:57

Ndume accuses Tinubu of unconstitutional appointments; Presidency fires back, calls him ‘divisive’

Rate this item
(0 votes)

Ali Ndume, senator representing Borno South, has criticized President Bola Tinubu for allegedly violating constitutional provisions on federal character in his political appointments, sparking a sharp rebuke from the Presidency, which labeled him a "rabble rouser" promoting divisive narratives.

Speaking on Arise TV, Ndume argued that Tinubu’s appointments disproportionately favour the South-West, contravening Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates equitable representation.

"The figures are there. It’s not that I’m just making accusations, but the constitution clearly states that political appointments should reflect federal character, and that is not the case here," Ndume said. He clarified that his remarks were not a personal attack but a constitutional duty as a lawmaker.

"I have the right to criticize the government—that’s why I’m in the National Assembly. We are supposed to oversight the president and point out irregularities," he stated, adding that he expected backlash from Tinubu’s supporters but would not be silenced.

However, the Presidency swiftly dismissed Ndume’s claims as hypocritical. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, accused the senator of "selective perception" and ignoring key appointments from his own region.

"President Tinubu’s appointments are based on merit, integrity, and geographical spread, not tribal arithmetic," Onanuga stated on X. He noted that two prominent NNPC appointees hail from Ndume’s senatorial district, questioning his narrative of exclusion.

Onanuga further criticized Ndume for "headline-chasing" rather than offering constructive criticism, reaffirming Tinubu’s commitment to inclusive governance. "The president aims to harness Nigeria’s diversity to build a prosperous nation," he added.

The exchange highlights growing tensions over Tinubu’s appointments, with critics accusing him of regional bias while the administration defends its choices as merit-based and balanced.

May 30, 2025

Nigeria's $3bn fashion drain: How import dependence undermines local textile industry

Nigeria's fashion sector is hemorrhaging billions of dollars annually due to overwhelming reliance on imported…
June 01, 2025

‘Nigeria under siege by urban bandits, poverty weaponized’ – Atiku, El-Rufai warn

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai have issued a scathing…
June 01, 2025

Her daughter was taken and sent abroad - 44 years later, they found each other

The last memory Han Tae-soon has of her daughter as a child is in May…
May 31, 2025

Tools made of whale bones reveal inventiveness of prehistoric people

Artifacts found at archeological sites in France and Spain along the Bay of Biscay shoreline…
May 31, 2025

Troops kill 60 terrorists and top ISWAP commander in Borno, as FCT mourns 11 killed…

Nigerian troops have killed over 60 terrorists in Borno State during a series of operations,…
June 01, 2025

What to know after Day 1193 of Russia-Ukraine war

WESTERN PERSPECTIVE Russia launches air attack on Ukraine's capital Kyiv, mayor says Ukraine's air defence…
May 29, 2025

AI system resorts to blackmail when its developers try to replace it

An artificial intelligence model has the ability to blackmail developers — and isn’t afraid to…
May 13, 2025

Nigeria's Flying Eagles qualify for World Cup after dramatic win over Senegal

Nigeria's U-20 national football team, the Flying Eagles, have secured their place at the 2025…

NEWSSCROLL TEAM: 'Sina Kawonise: Publisher/Editor-in-Chief; Afolabi Ajibola: IT Manager;
Contact Us: [email protected] Tel/WhatsApp: +234 811 395 4049

Copyright © 2015 - 2025 NewsScroll. All rights reserved.