Senator Ali Ndume has publicly criticised President Bola Tinubu, alleging non-compliance with the federal character principle in his political appointments

The Borno South lawmaker claims the President has violated constitutional requirements for balanced representation.

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Ndume’s statements place a spotlight on the Tinubu federal character appointments, sparking national debate. Senator Ali Ndume, speaking on Arise TV’s Prime Time, accused President Bola Tinubu of disregarding the federal character principle mandated by the Nigerian constitution.

Ndume cited Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which stipulates that political appointments should reflect the country’s diverse makeup.

“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,” Ndume stated, emphasising that his claims were based on concrete data.

“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, a senior member of the National Assembly, stressed that his criticisms were not personal attacks but rather a fulfillment of his legislative duty. “Collectively, we are supposed to oversight the acts of Mr President and point out some of these irregularities. That is what we swore to do. It’s not personal,” he explained.

The senator expressed concern that the current appointments do not align with the constitutional provisions, warning of potential repercussions.

“And 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,” he said.

Anticipating backlash, Ndume remained resolute, stating, “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.”

He also predicted attacks from “Tinubu boys” following his interview, but maintained that his comments were based on factual observations.

Ndume’s comments have ignited a discussion on the importance of adhering to the federal character principle in political appointments, and the role of the National Assembly in holding the executive branch accountable.