Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South, has publicly criticized President Bola Tinubu for allegedly disregarding the federal character principle in his political appointments. During an appearance on Arise TV, Ndume asserted that the President’s recent selections do not adequately represent Nigeria’s diverse demographics, as required by Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution.
He pointed out that this constitutional provision mandates that government appointments reflect the nation’s diversity, stating, “The data is available… the Constitution is quite explicit.” Ndume believes that the current appointments fall short of this requirement.
The senator called on the President to rectify these issues, cautioning that ignoring them could have significant repercussions in the future. He emphasized that his remarks are not intended as a personal attack on the President, but rather fulfill his duty as a legislator to oversee government actions and highlight any irregularities.
Ndume expressed his conviction that he has the right to raise these concerns, asserting, “We all have to be accountable… What will we tell our constituents?” He anticipates criticism for his comments but stands firm, reminding others that advocating for constitutional compliance is part of his role.
In summary, Ndume’s statements underscore the ongoing challenges surrounding representation and governance in the current administration, as he calls for fairer political appointments that honor the federal character principle.
