The Traffic

Ndume Commends Tinubu for Appointing Northerners to Strategic Federal Roles

By Achimi Muktar

Just weeks after voicing strong concerns over what he called “glaring imbalance” in federal appointments, Senator Ali Ndume has made a dramatic U-turn—this time applauding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for correcting course and appointing northerners into key positions in federal parastatals and agencies.

The Senator representing Borno South couldn’t hide his satisfaction following the announcement of at least 12 high-level appointments of individuals from Nigeria’s three northern geo-political zones into strategic government roles on Friday.

Among those appointed are:

Yazid Shehu Umar Danfulani (Zamfara) – MD, 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, NSITF

Prof. Musa Garba Mai Tafsiri (Kebbi) – Executive Secretary, National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education

Comrade Isa Aremu (Kwara) – DG, Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS)

Ndume, a former Senate Leader and vocal lawmaker, had earlier criticized the President’s initial pattern of appointments for allegedly violating the Federal Character Principle enshrined in Section 14 (3) of the 1999 Constitution.

Speaking at the time, he warned that the exclusion of the North could “fuel discontent and strengthen opposition coalitions.” But now, in what appears to be a show of presidential responsiveness, Tinubu seems to have heeded the concerns.

“President Tinubu is someone who surrenders to constructive criticisms,” Ndume said in a Saturday statement. “He’s a fair-minded, cosmopolitan leader who listens.”

He praised the President’s ability to correct course:

“The hallmark of a good leader and statesman is to quickly adjust when a large section of the population finds a policy unpopular. President Tinubu has done just that.”

Ndume stressed that while he has no personal grudges against Tinubu, his role as a lawmaker includes speaking up when necessary—and that’s exactly what he did.

“I have nothing personal against the President. But I must do my job. That said, this gesture proves Tinubu is a leader who listens to reason.”

The Senator congratulated the newly appointed officials and urged them not to betray the confidence reposed in them. He also reaffirmed his loyalty to the President, promising to continue offering constructive feedback when needed.

“This is a win for inclusive governance,” Ndume concluded. “Now it’s up to the appointees to deliver.”