By Ife Osemedua
365Daily – Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing several Northerners to leadership positions in key federal agencies, describing the move as a positive step toward inclusive governance.
In a statement issued on Saturday, May 24, 2025, the former Senate Leader said the recent appointments reflect the President’s willingness to listen to constructive criticism and make necessary adjustments.
“These new appointments show that President Tinubu is a leader with listening ears,” Ndume said. “He has once again demonstrated that he is responsive to the concerns of the people and willing to correct course when necessary.”
On Friday, the Presidency announced the appointment of about a dozen individuals from the three geo-political zones in the North into various federal positions. Among them are Yazid Shehu Umar Danfulani from Zamfara, now Managing Director of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC); Alhaji Hamza Ibrahim Baba from Kano as Programme Manager of the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP); Alhaji Abubakar Umar Jarengol from Adamawa as Executive Director, Operations at NAIC; and Barrister Sama’ila Audu from Katsina as Executive Director, Administration at the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).
Others include Professor Musa Garba Mai Tafsiri from Kebbi as Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education, and Comrade Isa Aremu from Kwara as Director-General of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS).
Ndume’s remarks mark a significant shift in tone, as he had previously criticized the administration for lopsided appointments that, in his view, sidelined Northern Nigeria. In April, he warned that such imbalances could deepen political discontent and undermine national unity, citing Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates fair representation of all regions in government appointments.
“Our leaders in the North, including myself, raised concerns over recent appointments that appeared to ignore the principle of federal character,” he said. “But the President has shown that he is not rigid. He listens and adjusts, and that is the quality of a true statesman.”
Ndume also clarified that his earlier criticism was never personal but driven by a commitment to equity and national cohesion.
“I have nothing against President Tinubu or his administration,” he said. “As a lawmaker, my duty is to speak out when I observe areas that need improvement, and I will continue to do that while supporting the President where he is right.”
He congratulated the newly appointed officials and urged them to live up to the expectations of their new roles.
“They must prove that their appointments are not just political placements but strategic decisions based on competence and capacity,” he said.
Ndume reaffirmed his support for the President and the All Progressives Congress (APC), while maintaining that loyalty must include honest feedback.
“My loyalty to President Tinubu remains firm, but that will not stop me from speaking the truth when necessary,” he said. “Constructive criticism is part of governance, and the President has shown that he welcomes it.”