Senator representing Borno South at the National Assembly, Ali Ndume, has accused President Bola Tinubu of breaching the constitution by allegedly skewing his appointments in favour of Southwest.
The latest of the President’s appointment that borders on favouritism is the recent reconstitution of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited management where he removed Mele Kyari, the GMD and appointed Mr Bayo Ojulari in Kyari’s place.
For context, Ndume had in the past villified Tinubu accusing him of alienating many office holders in his cabinet, including some ministers.
The censure cost him the Senate Chief Whip, a position he held in the Senate prior to condemning the President, and also drew him opprobrium from his party, All Progressives Congress leadership.
Speaking on Arise TV, Ndume was at it again, saying the President’s appointment has a pattern of not reflecting the diversity mandated by section 14(3) of the 1999 constitution.
“The figures are there. It’s not that I’m just making accusations or that the president has no right to do that kind of thing.
“But it’s a constitutional provision. Section section 14 (3) of the constitution is very, very clear on that. When you look at it vis-a-vis the appointments made so far, and there are political appointments. And 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 stated.
He added: “I know, as you rightly say, people look at me as somebody that is critical of the government. I have the right to do that in the first place. And in fact, that’s why I’m in the national assembly in the first place.
“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. It’s not personal.”
Speaking further: “One of us will stand before God and God will ask him to account for what he is responsible for. Besides, we are all in this government. What will we tell our people? When you have these figures out, it is already viral, it is already in circulation.
“But you know what, after this interview, those attack dogs or maga-dogs will start attacking Ndume, not the message.”
