Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) has raised strong concerns over what he describes as lopsided federal appointments made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, warning that the trend undermines national unity and violates constitutional provisions.
Speaking during a live appearance on Arise News Prime Time, which was monitored by our correspondent, Senator Ndume expressed dismay over a circulating list of federal political appointments, which he said overwhelmingly favours one ethnic group over others. He described the appointments as non-inclusive and contrary to the spirit of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to Ndume, Section 14(3) of the Nigerian Constitution mandates the equitable distribution of public appointments to reflect the country’s federal character. The current pattern, he said, deviates from this constitutional requirement and sends a troubling message to other regions of the country.
“I was shocked when I saw the list. The figures speak for themselves,” Ndume stated. “It’s not about attacking the President’s right to make appointments, but there is a clear constitutional guideline under Section 14(3) that must be followed to ensure fairness and inclusion.”
Ndume, a senior lawmaker and vocal figure within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has often taken strong positions against policies and actions he considers anti-people. He emphasized that his criticism was not personal but rooted in his constitutional role as a legislator.
“Even though I’m one of the few people from the North with a personal relationship with President Tinubu, that will not stop me from speaking the truth. I swore an oath to represent my people and defend the Constitution,” he added.
The senator also addressed the backlash he often receives for his outspokenness. “Every time I speak, Tinubu’s supporters attack me personally instead of engaging with the message. This isn’t about politics; it’s about doing what is right for Nigeria,” he said.
Ndume called on President Tinubu to urgently review the appointments and correct the imbalance before it leads to broader political consequences.
“This is a warning we must heed now. It’s not too late to make things right, and I believe the President, as a true democrat, will take steps to address this,” he concluded.
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