Senator representing Borno South and former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, has lauded President Bola Tinubu for what he described as a renewed commitment to inclusive governance through the appointment of Northerners into strategic federal agencies.
In a statement personally signed and issued to journalists on Saturday, Ndume praised the President for responding to concerns raised about regional imbalances in earlier appointments.
The commendation follows Friday’s announcement of about a dozen appointments of individuals from the three geo-political zones of the North into key federal positions.
Some of the newly appointed officials include Yazid Shehu Umar Danfulani from Zamfara, who was named Managing Director of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC); Alhaji Hamza Ibrahim Baba from Kano, appointed Programme Manager of the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP).
Others are Alhaji Abubakar Umar Jarengol from Adamawa, now Executive Director, Operations at NAIC; Barrister Sama’ila Audu from Katsina, appointed Executive Director, Administration at the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF); Professor Musa Garba Mai Tafsiri from Kebbi, who becomes Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education; and Comrade Isa Aremu from Kwara, who was appointed Director-General of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS).
Reacting to the development, Ndume, who in April criticised what he called the “lopsided nature” of federal appointments under Tinubu’s administration, referencing Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution which mandates equitable representation of all regions in national governance, said, “President Tinubu is someone who surrenders to constructive criticisms. I have known him to be a fair-minded, cosmopolitan person. Yes, we are all bound to make mistakes—no one is infallible.”
He continued, “Our leaders in the North, including myself, raised our voices against perceived imbalances in key appointments. The hallmark of a true statesman is his willingness to reassess decisions that spark widespread discomfort. President Tinubu has done just that.”
The Borno South senator described the recent appointments as a “corrective move” aimed at restoring balance and ensuring Northern inclusion in governance.
“This action shows the President is a responsive leader,” he said. “It addresses the imbalance thrown up by earlier decisions that had left the North feeling sidelined.”
Ndume emphasized that his past criticisms were never personal. “I have nothing against the President or his administration. I remain committed to pointing out areas of concern while also giving credit where it’s due. That is the role of a true legislator.”
He congratulated the newly appointed officials and urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them. “I encourage them to serve the country diligently and prove that the North has capable hands ready to deliver,” he said.
Ndume concluded by reaffirming his loyalty to the President while reiterating his duty to speak up when necessary.
“My support for President Tinubu remains unwavering, but I will never shy away from holding the executive accountable when the need arises,” he added.
