The Presidency has fired back at Senator Ali Ndume over his recent allegations that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is guilty of skewed political appointments, dismissing the accusations as misleading and hypocritical.
Ndume, who represents Borno South in the Senate, had claimed that the federal character principle was being violated under the current administration, a move he warned could have serious national implications if not addressed.
However, in a swift response on Tuesday, President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the senator’s remarks as a case of “selective perception” and “headline-hunting.”
‘How Is It Tribal When Your Kinsmen Got Top Roles?’ – Presidency Fires Back
“Senator Ali Ndume’s latest outburst on so-called lopsided appointments reeks of hypocrisy,” Onanuga said in a statement, pointing out that two of the senator’s kinsmen from Borno State had recently been appointed to high-ranking positions in the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.
“If Tinubu’s appointments were truly tribal or biased, how did two individuals from Ndume’s senatorial district land top roles at NNPC?” he queried.
The Presidency did not mince words, describing Ndume as a politician “allergic to facts” and “addicted to theatrics,” who routinely issues inflammatory statements that are later contradicted by evidence.
“His habit of issuing half-baked criticisms shows a greater interest in rabble-rousing than in offering any meaningful suggestions for national development,” the statement added.
Tinubu Committed to Inclusive, Merit-Based Governance
Onanuga further reiterated President Tinubu’s commitment to inclusive and merit-based governance, stating that appointments have been made with careful consideration for national diversity, competence, and integrity.
“President Tinubu is committed to building a Nigeria that works for all, regardless of ethnicity or regional affiliation,” he said. “His appointments are grounded in merit, not tribal arithmetic.”
Presidency Urges Ndume to Avoid Divisive Rhetoric
The Presidency concluded by urging Senator Ndume to elevate his contributions to national discourse and refrain from spreading misinformation and divisive narratives.
“This country needs unity and vision, not sensationalism. We expect more from a serving senator,” the statement noted.
