Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South under the All Progressives Congress (APC), has raised concerns about President Bola Tinubu’s recent political appointments, claiming that they violate the federal character principle enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.
In an interview on Arise TV on Monday, Ndume emphasized that while the president has the constitutional authority to make appointments, these decisions must reflect Nigeria’s national diversity.
The federal character principle, as outlined in the Constitution, mandates that political appointments be inclusive and representative of the country’s diverse regions and groups.
“The Constitution is very clear when you look at it vis-à-vis the appointments made so far. These are political appointments, and Section 143 clearly states that political appointments should reflect the federal character. That is not the case here,” Ndume said.
The senator explained that while some positions, such as the Chief of Army Staff or the Inspector General of Police, require specific professional expertise, political appointments must prioritize fairness and inclusivity to foster national unity.
“You can’t appoint someone who is not a soldier as Chief of Army Staff or someone who is not a police officer as the IGP. But for political appointments, the Constitution insists on fairness, and that’s being violated,” he noted.
Ndume warned that the imbalance in these appointments could have serious political consequences for President Tinubu’s administration if left unaddressed.
“These things can boomerang at a certain period of time if they are not corrected,” he cautioned, stressing the need for the president to address the issue promptly.
The senator rejected claims that his criticism was motivated by personal interest, stating that as a lawmaker, it is his duty to speak out against irregularities and hold the government accountable.
“As a Nigerian, I have the right to voice this out. In fact, that’s why I’m in the National Assembly to provide oversight on the president’s actions. This is not personal,” Ndume affirmed.
He also criticized members of the administration who, instead of addressing the substance of his concerns, focused on attacking him personally.
“Tinubu’s attack dogs will attack me and not the message,” Ndume stated.
Concluding his statement, Ndume reminded that public office holders must be accountable not only to Nigerians but also to God.
“At the end of it all, each one of us will stand before God and account for what we were responsible for. That’s why I’m saying this,” he said.
