Former Senate Leader and lawmaker for Borno South, Senator Ali Ndume, has praised President Bola Tinubu for appointing numerous Northerners to important roles within federal agencies, seeing it as a move towards inclusive governance.
In a statement on Saturday in Abuja, Ndume commended the President for addressing previous concerns regarding regional disparities in government appointments.
This praise came after the announcement on Friday of 12 new appointees from the region to significant national positions.
The list of new appointees includes Yazid Shehu Danfulani from Zamfara as Managing Director of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation, Hamza Baba from Kano as Programme Manager of the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme, Abubakar Jarengol from Adamawa as Executive Director of Operations at NAIC, and Sama’ila Audu from Katsina as Executive Director of Administration at the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund.
Additionally, Prof. Musa Tafsiri from Kebbi was appointed Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education, while Isa Aremu from Kwara became Director-General of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies.
Previously critical of the administration for sidelining the North in appointments, Ndume referenced Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which emphasizes the need for equitable representation of Nigeria’s diverse regions. He had warned that ongoing imbalances could foster dissatisfaction and opposition to the government.
In his recent statement, however, the senator lauded Tinubu’s actions, depicting the appointments as evidence of the President’s willingness to consider feedback and dedication to national cohesion.
“President Tinubu is receptive to constructive criticism. I regard him as fair-minded and cosmopolitan. No leader is beyond error,” Ndume stated.
He added, “When Northern leaders, myself included, raised concerns about previous appointments being skewed, it was not an attack but an important constitutional reminder. This decision by the President reflects his openness to listen and adjust.”
While affirming his commitment to holding the government accountable, Ndume expressed his support for President Tinubu’s larger vision for Nigeria, believing in his ability to fulfill democratic promises.
He congratulated the new appointees and urged them to live up to the expectations placed upon them, emphasizing that the hopes of Nigerians are high.
Ndume reaffirmed his loyalty to the President, clarifying that his criticisms would always stem from a sense of patriotism and concern for the national interest.
