Senator Ali Ndume has expressed serious concerns over the perceived imbalance in federal appointments made by President Bola Tinubu. According to Ndume, these appointments contravene Section 14 of the Nigerian Constitution, which emphasizes the need for federal character in appointments to ensure national unity and inclusivity.
Ndume's criticism comes as President Tinubu has recently made a series of appointments to various federal organizations. In January, Tinubu appointed board chairpersons for 42 federal organizations, including notable figures like former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje as the chairman of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and Magnus Abe as the chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) Board.
Ndume argues that these appointments do not align with the Renewed Hope Agenda's promise of unity and inclusivity. He suggests that the appointments may favor certain regions or groups over others, potentially undermining national cohesion.
Key Points:
- Constitutional Violation: Ndume claims that the appointments violate Section 14 of the Nigerian Constitution, which mandates that appointments reflect the federal character principle to ensure equity and fairness across different regions.
- Renewed Hope Agenda: The Renewed Hope Agenda, a central theme of President Tinubu's campaign, emphasized unity and inclusivity. Ndume believes that the current appointments do not uphold this promise.
- Recent Appointments: President Tinubu has made extensive appointments to federal boards and agencies, but critics argue that these appointments may not adequately represent all regions of Nigeria.
Ndume's concerns highlight ongoing debates about federal appointments and their impact on national unity and governance in Nigeria. As the Tinubu administration continues to make key appointments, addressing these concerns will be crucial to maintaining public trust and ensuring that the government's policies align with constitutional requirements and campaign promises.