Posted by Amarachi on Wed 15th Jan, 2025 - tori.ng
Ndume emphasized that Tinubu remains his mentor and someone he holds in high regard despite his vocal opposition to certain policies.
The lawmaker representing Borno South in the Senate, Ali Ndume, has stated that he is not a critic of President Bola Tinubu who is his elder but rather of his policies.
Speaking on Politics Today, a programme aired on Channels Television on Tuesday, January 14, Ndume emphasized that Tinubu remains his mentor and someone he holds in high regard despite his vocal opposition to certain policies.
The lawmaker, known for his recent outspoken stance against some of Tinubu's policies, previously attributed Nigeria's economic hardships to certain advisers surrounding the president. He had also opposed the tax reform bills transmitted by the president to the National Assembly, even threatening to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the proposed legislation.
However, Ndume clarified during the interview that his criticism was not personal but aimed at improving governance for the betterment of the nation. “I am not criticising the President but his policies. I am not a critic of this government; it is our government,” he stated.
He further explained his approach to criticism, saying, “In all of my criticism, I don’t criticise my elders. Tinubu is my senior; I respect him, though I disagree with him in some cases in order for us to agree for the betterment of Nigeria, but he is surrounded with… I don’t want to use another word that will cause me another suspension. I criticise policies, not Tinubu. I criticised the policies of Buhari, but I’m closer to Tinubu than Buhari. I respect Tinubu, but I disagree with him in some areas, hoping we will agree soon.”
Ndume also addressed a viral photo showing him and President Tinubu in a jovial mood, clarifying the context behind the image. He revealed that the president had questioned his infrequent visits to the Presidential Villa, to which Ndume responded that he had never been invited. Tinubu then extended an invitation, saying he could visit that night.
“The president is one of my mentors. He only said, ‘Why do I not come to the villa?’ I told him that he didn’t ask me to, and he said I can come tonight,” Ndume recounted.
He also shared details of the president’s attendance at his daughter’s wedding, which coincided with the Nigerian Army Remembrance Day. “He said he is attending my daughter’s wedding, even though it coincided with the Nigerian Army Remembrance Day. So, after the ceremony, I was expecting him to leave. He said he is not going anywhere and that he is going to attend the wedding. That is what actually happened,” Ndume added.
On the issue of rising banditry in the North-West, Ndume expressed optimism that the deployment of additional attack helicopters would help curb the insecurity in the region. He also reaffirmed his confidence in the Nigerian Army’s capacity to combat terrorism while calling for increased funding for the military to ensure greater operational efficiency.