ABUJA, Nigeria — Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, has rejected claims by Senator Ali Ndume that the president’s political appointments are skewed and do not reflect the federal character diversity mandated by Nigeria’s constitution.
Ndume, who represents Borno South in the Nigerian Senate, criticised Tinubu’s recent appointments, claiming they violated Section 14(3) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, which requires that public appointments reflect the country’s federal character.
Speaking on Arise TV’s Prime Time on Monday, April 7, 2025, Ndume described the appointments as “lopsided,” particularly highlighting the underrepresentation of certain regions.
In a statement posted on his X handle (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, Onanuga dismissed Ndume’s criticism, accusing the lawmaker of hypocrisy and selective perception.
Onanuga pointed out that Ndume failed to mention that two individuals from his own senatorial district in Borno had been appointed to significant positions in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited, under Tinubu’s administration.
“While the Borno senator grandstanded as a moral authority on equity, he forgot to tell his interviewer that two of his kinsmen featured in recent NNPC Limited top appointments,” Onanuga wrote.
He went on to highlight that the Chairman of NNPC, appointed by Tinubu, is also from Ndume’s senatorial district, questioning how the senator could accuse the president of tribalism when his own constituency has benefitted from key appointments.
Onanuga further criticised Ndume for making baseless accusations, calling him out for what he described as “half-baked criticisms.”
He stated, “As a politician, Ndume has proven time and time again that he is allergic to facts and addicted to theatrics. His habit of firing half-baked criticisms — only to be contradicted by facts — proves he’s more interested in headline-chasing, rabble-rousing, stoking divisive narratives than offering constructive criticism.”
Responding to Ndume’s claims, Onanuga reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to building a government that reflects Nigeria’s diversity.
He explained that Tinubu’s appointments are based on merit, integrity, geographical spread, and the capacity to serve the Nigerian people, not on arbitrary tribal calculations.
“President Tinubu is deeply committed to fostering a government that embraces all Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic or regional affiliations. He aims to harness our nation’s diverse strengths to achieve a common goal: building a prosperous Nigeria,” Onanuga added.
Onanuga called for a higher standard of public discourse from Ndume, urging him to refrain from spreading misinformation and to focus on offering constructive contributions.
“This is a disservice to the nation and the behaviour least expected from a Nigerian Senator,” Onanuga concluded.
