Ali Ndume Clarifies: Tinubu is My Mentor, I Criticize His Policies, Not Him

Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has reiterated his respect for President Bola Tinubu, clarifying his stance on government policies and emphasizing his commitment to constructive criticism for the advancement of Nigeria.

In a recent interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Ndume, who is known for his candid approach to governance, explained that he is not an opponent of the government. “I am not a critique of the government. It is our government. President Tinubu is one of my mentors,” he stated, underscoring the close relationship between the two.

Ndume also addressed a viral photo of him and Tinubu, noting that despite being urged by the president to visit him at the Villa, he had not done so until recently. “He always says that I don’t come to the Villa. I told him that he didn’t ask me to, and he said I can come tonight,” Ndume shared, adding that President Tinubu had made a point of attending his daughter’s wedding, even though it coincided with the Nigerian Army Remembrance Day.

The senator clarified that while he may disagree with certain policies, his criticisms are aimed at improving the nation. “In all of my critiques, I don’t criticise my elders. Tinubu is my senior, I respect him, though I disagree with him in some cases in order for us to agree for the better of Nigeria,” he explained. “I criticise policies, not Tinubu. I criticised policies of Buhari, but I’m closer to Tinubu than Buhari.”

Ndume’s political position became more pronounced in November when he referred to President Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bills as “dead on arrival.” The senator urged the federal government to reconsider increasing taxes, emphasizing the strain it would place on Nigerians. He suggested that the focus should instead be on reducing the tax burden.

Additionally, Ndume has called on President Tinubu to prioritize the implementation of the federal budget, urging attention to key areas such as national security and citizen welfare. “I have always said it to Mr. President: implement the budget, and Nigerians will be happy. Concentrate on two things: security and welfare of citizens, and then every other thing will come,” he concluded.