You are a hypocrite, Presidency Charges Ndume over Lopsided Appointments Allegation
The Presidency has in response to allegations of lopsided appointments made by Senator Ali Ndume, described the claims as “hypocritical and misleading.”
In a scathing statement posted on his verified X handle, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, took aim at the Borno South senator, accusing him of being “allergic to facts and addicted to theatrics.”
The controversy began when Senator Ndume appeared on television, criticizing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent appointments, claiming that they favored certain regions. However, Onanuga was quick to point out that Ndume’s own kinsmen had benefited from the President’s appointments, including the Chairman of NNPC Limited, who hails from Ndume’s senatorial district in Borno State.
“If Tinubu and his surrogates’ choices are so ‘tribal,’ how did two of Ndume’s kinsmen clinch NNPC’s top roles?” Onanuga queried, highlighting the apparent inconsistency in Ndume’s criticism.
The presidential aide went on to accuse Ndume of engaging in populist rhetoric without regard for verifiable facts, stating that his “habit of firing half-baked criticisms—only to be contradicted by facts—proves he’s more interested in headline-chasing, rabble rousing, and stoking divisive narratives than offering constructive criticism.”
Onanuga reaffirmed the President’s commitment to inclusive governance, emphasizing that Tinubu’s appointments are based on merit, integrity, and national spread. “President Tinubu is deeply committed to fostering a government that embraces all Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic or regional affiliations,” he said.
The presidential aide urged Senator Ndume to “elevate public discourse and avoid misinformation and baseless criticism,” warning that such behavior was “a disservice to the nation and the behavior least expected from a Nigerian Senator.”
The statement has sparked a heated debate across political circles, with many calling on Senator Ndume to provide evidence to support his claims.
In a related development, the NNPC Limited has released a statement confirming the appointment of two individuals from Borno State to top roles, including the Chairman of the board. The statement noted that the appointments were made based on merit and in line with the President’s commitment to inclusive governance.
In the meantime, the Tinubu administration will continue to focus on its agenda, including the implementation of its economic and social policies. The President has reiterated his commitment to inclusive governance, and it’s likely that we will see more appointments in the coming weeks and months that reflect this commitment.
