In a bold and fiery critique of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, has accused the president of flagrantly violating the federal character principle enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution by executing lopsided appointments that allegedly favour a particular ethnic bloc.
Speaking during a live interview on Arise News TV on Monday, Ndume didn’t mince words as he pointedly cited Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution— a provision that mandates fair and equitable distribution of government appointments across Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and regional landscape.
“The figures are there. I sent them to you,” Ndume said, referring to what he described as hard statistical evidence of the imbalance. “It’s not that I’m just making accusations. Section 14(3) of the Constitution is very, very clear.”
He stressed that the principle of federal character is not an optional guideline, but a constitutional directive created to promote unity and give every Nigerian—regardless of ethnic or regional origin—a sense of belonging in national governance.
“The Constitution clearly states that appointments, especially political ones, should reflect the federal character. That is not the case here,” he asserted with visible concern.
Sounding a note of caution, the veteran lawmaker warned that the administration’s continued disregard for balanced representation could have dangerous consequences.
“All I’m doing is calling Mr. President’s attention to these infractions so they can be corrected. Otherwise, these things can boomerang,” he cautioned ominously.
Anticipating the political heat his remarks might generate, Ndume stood his ground and clarified that his comments were not an act of hostility toward Tinubu, but rather an exercise of his constitutional responsibility as a senator.
“People see me as someone who is critical of the government. Yes, I have the right to be. That’s why I’m in the National Assembly—to provide oversight and point out irregularities. It’s not personal,” he said.
In a defiant tone, Ndume acknowledged the likelihood of backlash but remained undeterred.
“After this interview, those attack dogs or maga-dogs will come after Ndume, not the message. But as a Nigerian, I have the right to speak up, to protest. That right is guaranteed by the Constitution,” he declared.
His outcry has reignited public discourse on the long-standing issue of inclusivity in national leadership and has stirred fresh debates on the integrity of federal appointments under Tinubu’s government.
So far, the presidency has remained silent, offering no response to the senator’s explosive claims. However, political analysts suggest that the issue could gain further traction in the coming days as calls for balanced representation echo louder from various quarters of the country.
PIONEER NEWS 