Yemi Obafemi
Senator Ali Ndume has raised strong concerns over recent political appointments made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing the administration of breaching the federal character principle enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.
During an interview on Arise TV’s Prime Time on Monday, the Borno South senator cited Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which requires that political appointments reflect Nigeria’s federal character to ensure national unity and avoid the marginalization of any group.
“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 said, emphasizing that his claims are backed by 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 stressed that his critique is not personal but a constitutional responsibility as a member of the National Assembly. “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.”
The senator also expressed concern over backlash from political loyalists, stating that he anticipates attacks from supporters of the president. “After this interview, those attack dogs or maga-dogs will start attacking Ndume, not the message,” he said. “As a Nigerian, I have the right to voice out all these things. Not only that, I have the right to even protest. That is guaranteed by the constitution.”
Ndume concluded by warning that failure to address the alleged infractions could have serious consequences in the future, urging the President to take corrective action before the situation escalates.
