Ali Ndume rebuts Aso Rock’s selective response tagged ‘hypocritical branding’
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
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“To dismiss such a fundamental concern as ‘hypothetical’ is not only insensitive – it is also intellectually dishonest.
“This isn’t about scoring political points or pushing ethnic narratives. It is about preserving the fragile unity of our nation by ensuring that all Nigerians feel represented and included in governance.
“It is also disappointing that instead of engaging with the facts and the principle of the Senator’s argument, Mr. Onanuga resorted to personal attacks ….
“Rather than dismissing calls for transparency with press jabs and soundbites, releasing a comprehensive breakdown of appointments across ministries, agencies, and parastatals would be more productive.
“Let the data speak. Let Nigerians see for themselves whether the federal character principle is being honoured.
“To question is not to rebel. To call for balance is not to undermine. It is, in fact, the highest form of loyalty – loyalty to the Constitution and the very idea of Nigeria” – Ali Ndume.
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Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) has rebutted the response of the Villa to his latest criticism of Bola Tinubu which dealt with the President’s lopsided appointments but left out the bit about $9.5 billion loan he took for “flimsy projects” that are “not visible”.
Ndume accused Tinubu on Arise Television on Monday of having appointed South Westerners into 70 per cent of federal positions in violation the federal character principle in the Constitution.
He also listed how Tinubu has obtained some $9.5 billion loans for “flimsy projects” which are “not visible” after obtaining the loans without item by item legislative scrutiny and approval because he tucked them into the general financial framework.
Tinubu is currently luxuriating in Paris, his usual quarterly haunt since he became President.
On Tuesday, his spokesperson Bayo Onanuga described on X Ndume’s criticism as “hypocritical” and “selective perception”.
He said the former Senate Chief Whip forgot to mention that Tinubu recently appointed two of his kinsmen to positions in the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC).
Onanuga listed only two recent appointments outside the South West that could not provide zonal balance and failed entirely to touch on the allegation about the $9.5 billion loan Tinubu has apparently wasted.
Another Tinubu goon has listed on social media some other appointments he has made purportedly outside the South West, but critics fired back that the list cannot be verified without the names and states of origin of the appointees.
So, the response the Villa falls back on its usual tactic of attacking the messenger without providing verifiable facts to rebut the facts raised in the message.
Ndume voiced his latest reaction in a statement issued through his Media Aide Junaid Maiva, calling out Onanuga’s choice of words – branding Ndume a hypocrite with “selective perception” – as unfortunate and unbecoming of a man who once practised journalism focused on democratic values.
“As an aide to Senator Ali Ndume, I find it necessary to respond to the recent remarks made by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, regarding the Senator’s concerns over perceived lopsidedness in federal appointments,” Maiva said.
“The choice of words used by Mr Onanuga – branding the Senator a hypocrite with ‘selective perception’ – was not only unfortunate but also unbecoming of a man whose legacy in journalism once stood for truth and democratic values.
“Let me be clear: Senator Ndume’s recent comments are not rooted in sentiment or sectional interest – they are grounded in equity, fairness, and constitutional order.
“His concern reflects what many Nigerians across diverse regions are quietly thinking but afraid to say.
“The idea that pointing out imbalances automatically translates into ingratitude or tribalism is a dangerous narrative that dismisses legitimate questions with emotional rebuttals.
“Onanuga’s reference to two sons of Borno currently holding top positions in the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) is, quite frankly, a weak attempt at deflection.
“These individuals were not appointed as political compensation – they earned their roles through demonstrable capacity, professionalism, and an enviable track record. They are assets to the nation, not tokens to silence legitimate calls for inclusion.
“Senator Ndume has not questioned merit. He has questioned imbalance. And there is a difference.
“He [Ndume] is not seeking personal recognition or regional patronage – he is simply insisting that the federal character principle, as enshrined in Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), be respected and applied.
“That section is explicit: ‘The composition of the Government of the Federation or any of its agencies… shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect Nigeria‘s federal character and promote national unity ….’
“The question, therefore, is not whether a few qualified individuals from a particular state have been appointed. The real question is: do the federal appointments reflect that constitutional provision’s spirit and letter?
“To dismiss such a fundamental concern as ‘hypothetical’ is not only insensitive – it is also intellectually dishonest.
“This isn’t about scoring political points or pushing ethnic narratives. It is about preserving the fragile unity of our nation by ensuring that all Nigerians feel represented and included in governance.
“It is also disappointing that instead of engaging with the facts and the principle of the Senator’s argument, Mr. Onanuga resorted to personal attacks – a tactic unbecoming of his office and legacy.
“Senator Ndume’s track record in national service, commitment to the unity and progress of Nigeria, and willingness to speak uncomfortable truths are well known.
“No matter how robust, criticism should not cross the boundary of character assassination.
“This administration has often spoken of its commitment to justice, unity, and equity. If that commitment is to be believed, legitimate concerns should be welcomed, not weaponised.
“Rather than dismissing calls for transparency with press jabs and soundbites, releasing a comprehensive breakdown of appointments across ministries, agencies, and parastatals would be more productive.
“Let the data speak. Let Nigerians see for themselves whether the federal character principle is being honoured.
“To question is not to rebel. To call for balance is not to undermine. It is, in fact, the highest form of loyalty – loyalty to the Constitution and the very idea of Nigeria.
“We respect Mr. Onanuga’s past contributions to democratic development and freedom of expression. But in this instance, his swipe at the Senator does no justice to the values he once championed. If anything, it trivialises a serious national conversation that deserves sober engagement.
“Senator Ndume will continue to speak for the voiceless, defend the Constitution, and hold power accountable – as every elected representative should. And on this matter, the Southern Borno Senator stands not alone.”
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