Senator Ali Ndume of Borno South has expressed satisfaction with President Bola Tinubu's recent appointments of northerners to key federal government positions, stating that these appointments have addressed his previous concerns about regional imbalance in the administration.
In a statement personally signed and released to journalists on Saturday, Ndume commended the President for being attentive to concerns raised by northern leaders regarding the perceived lopsidedness in federal appointments.
"President Tinubu is someone who surrenders to constructive criticisms. I have known him to be a fair-minded, cosmopolitan person. Yes, we are all bound to make mistakes. No one is infallible," Ndume stated.
The senator's remarks follow Friday's announcement of approximately 12 individuals from Nigeria's northern region being appointed to strategic national positions. The appointments include Yazid Shehu Umar Danfulani from Zamfara as Managing Director of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC), Alhaji Hamza Ibrahim Baba from Kano as Programme Manager of the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), and several others representing various northern states.
Ndume had previously criticized the administration in April, citing concerns over what he described as a clear violation of the Federal Character principle enshrined in Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution. At that time, he warned that such imbalances could deepen political discontent and fuel opposition against the President and the ruling All Progressives Congress.
"The hallmark of a good leader and statesman is to quickly adjust himself when he takes a decision or makes a policy pronouncement that a large section of the people finds unpopular and uncomfortable with. President Ahmed Bola Tinubu has demonstrated several times that he is a responsive leader," the ranking lawmaker added.
While congratulating the new appointees, Ndume urged them to justify the confidence placed in them by performing their duties diligently. He also reaffirmed his loyalty to President Tinubu while maintaining that he would continue to fulfill his legislative oversight responsibilities by pointing out perceived excesses of the executive when necessary.
The senator emphasized that he has nothing personal against Tinubu and his administration, expressing confidence in the President's capacity to meet Nigerians' expectations in delivering the dividends of democracy.
