Presidency Blasts Ndume Over Lopsided Appointments Claim

Presidency Blasts Senator Ndume Over Allegations of Lopsided Appointments

ABUJA — The Presidency has strongly rebuked Senator Ali Ndume for accusing President Bola Tinubu of making lopsided appointments, describing the allegations as hypocritical and misleading. The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, responded to Ndume’s claims by highlighting that two of the senator’s kinsmen were recently appointed to top positions at NNPC Limited, contradicting Ndume’s assertions of regional favoritism.

Ndume’s Allegations

1. Constitutional Violation:
   • Senator Ndume, representing Borno South, accused President Tinubu of violating Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates equitable distribution of government positions across different regions. He argued that the appointments did not reflect Nigeria’s diverse ethnic composition.
2. Public Statement:
   • During an interview on Arise TV’s Prime Time, Ndume presented statistical evidence and figures showing the imbalance in appointments. He emphasized that his comments were part of his legislative duty to provide oversight and point out irregularities.

Presidency’s Response

1. Hypocrisy and Selective Perception:
   • Onanuga dismissed Ndume’s allegations as reeking of hypocrisy and selective perception. He noted that Ndume failed to mention that two of his kinsmen were appointed to key roles in NNPC Limited, including the chairman, who hails from Ndume’s senatorial district.
2. Merit-Based Appointments:
   • The Presidency emphasized that President Tinubu’s appointments are based on merit, integrity, and geographical spread, rather than tribal arithmetic. Onanuga accused Ndume of engaging in populist rhetoric and stoking divisive narratives.

Senator Karimi’s Reaction

1. Criticism of Ndume:
   • Senator Sunday Karimi from Kogi State criticized Ndume for his comments, urging him to focus on pressing issues like insecurity in his region rather than criticizing the government.
2. Insecurity Concerns:
   • Karimi highlighted the need for local solutions to combat Boko Haram and other security challenges, suggesting that Ndume should prioritize these issues over national appointments.

Public Reaction

1. Divided Opinions:
   • Public opinion is divided, with some supporting Ndume’s call for greater regional balance in appointments, while others view his criticism as politically motivated.
2. Concerns Over Ethnic Favoritism:
   • The debate has reignited concerns about ethnic favoritism in federal appointments and the need for adherence to the federal character principle to ensure national unity.

Implications for National Unity

1. Federal Character Principle:
   • The controversy underscores the importance of the federal character principle in maintaining national cohesion and ensuring that all regions feel represented in government.
2. Political Stability:
   • The ongoing debate could impact political stability if not managed carefully, as perceptions of favoritism can exacerbate regional tensions.

Conclusion

The exchange between Senator Ndume and the Presidency highlights ongoing debates about regional representation and fairness in government appointments. As the controversy continues, stakeholders are closely watching how these issues will impact national unity and political stability under President Tinubu’s administration.