By
Peterside Rejoice Eneky
Senator Ali Ndume (Borno South) has expressed strong commendation for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following the recent appointment of several individuals from Northern Nigeria into prominent federal government parastatals and agencies.
President Tinubu, on Friday, approved the appointment of about twelve Northerners into strategic national positions, a move that appears to address earlier criticisms about regional imbalance in previous federal appointments.
Notable among the new appointees are:
Yazid Shehu Umar Danfulani (Zamfara) – Managing Director, Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC)
Alhaji Hamza Ibrahim Baba (Kano) Programme Manager, Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP)
Alhaji Abubakar Umar Jarengol (Adamawa) – Executive Director, Operations, NAIC
Barr. Sama’ila Audu (Katsina) Executive Director, Administration, Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF)
Prof. Musa Garba Mai Tafsiri (Kebbi) Executive Secretary, National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education
Comrade Isa Aremu (Kwara) Director-General, Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS)
Senator Ndume, a prominent voice from the North and former Senate Leader, described the appointments as a positive demonstration of President Tinubu’s commitment to inclusive governance and federal character principles as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Ndume acknowledged that he had previously raised concerns regarding what he described in April as a “clear violation of the Federal Character Principle” in earlier appointments. Citing Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution, Ndume had warned that regional imbalance in key positions could foster political discontent and energize opposition forces against the President and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, with this latest development, Ndume said the President has shown he is a leader with “listening ears” and a willingness to correct course when necessary.
“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,” Ndume stated.
He further remarked that Northern leaders, including himself, had strongly criticized the perceived exclusion of the region in earlier appointments, and lauded the President’s swift response in addressing those concerns.
“The hallmark of a good leader and statesman is to quickly adjust himself when he makes a policy decision that a large section of the people finds unpopular,” he added.
Ndume congratulated the newly appointed officials and urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by performing their duties diligently and patriotically. He emphasized that these appointments were not only a recognition of merit but a deliberate step to ensure equitable representation across Nigeria’s geo-political zones.
While reiterating his loyalty to President Tinubu, the senator also emphasized that he would continue to speak truth to power whenever necessary, in his capacity as a lawmaker and representative of the people.
“I have nothing personal against President Tinubu and his administration. My commitment remains to the Nigerian people and the progress of our democracy,” he affirmed.
The appointments come amid other reforms and policy actions from the Tinubu administration, including efforts to boost government revenue, improve social welfare programs, and enhance national cohesion.
As the political landscape prepares for future elections, these strategic moves could be seen as efforts by the President to consolidate support across Nigeria’s diverse regions and address criticisms regarding inclusivity and representation.
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