Senator Ali Ndume of Borno South has boldly claimed that President Bola Tinubu would have been leading street protests had another government implemented the same policies causing current economic hardship in Nigeria.

Speaking during an interview on Arise News, Ndume defended his criticism of the current administration, stating: "If we were to swap position, and I'm the President, doing the same thing that he's doing now, he would have been on the street. He has done it before, to protest, even if the government belongs to him, if the wrong thing is happening."

The four-time Senator emphasized his independence, rejecting invitations to join what he described as "Tinubu's camp." He asserted, "I'm a son of nobody who became somebody without knowing anybody. Ask Mr. President. I'm not one of his dependents. I'm his ally."

Standing Firm on Democratic Principles

Ndume highlighted what he considers a reversal of democratic roles, stating: "I'm a Senator. Under a normal democratic setting, the President is supposed to lobby me on issues because he doesn't have a vote for me. I have voted for him, whether in the Senate, whether in the general election or anything."

The Borno lawmaker maintained he would continue speaking truth to power even if standing alone. When criticized for being too harsh in his assessment, Ndume responded: "They will come around and say, 'ah, you are trying, but you are hitting too hard.' I said, 'Did I use a physical punch on anybody?'"

Ndume's comments come amid growing concerns over economic hardship in Nigeria, with many citizens struggling to cope with rising inflation and cost of living challenges following policy reforms implemented by the Tinubu administration.

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