Ndume Backs Tinubu’s Appointments, Urges Inclusion of Southeast

Former Senate Leader Ali Ndume has praised President Bola Tinubu for his latest round of federal board appointments, describing them as a step toward institutional reform and national unity.

Among the new appointees is Mohammed Babangida, son of former military president Ibrahim Babangida, who was named chairman of the Bank of Agriculture. Ndume said the appointments reflect Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening key agencies and ensuring competent leadership.

The list also includes Lydia Kalat Musa (Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority), Jamilu Wada Aliyu (National Educational Research and Development Council), Yahuza Ado Inuwa (Standards Organisation of Nigeria), and Sanusi Musa (Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution). Others are Professor Al-Mustapha Aliyu (Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa), Sanusi Garba Rikiji (Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiations), and Abdulmumin I. Aminu-Zaria (Integrated Water Resources Management Commission).

Notably, Kano and Kaduna states received multiple appointments, while states like Sokoto, Zamfara, and Oyo each secured one.

Ndume, who represents Borno South, commended the President for also appointing 12 Northerners to key agencies in May. He said the latest moves prove Tinubu is “a responsive leader who listens to genuine agitation” and does not intend to alienate the North, which supported him in the last election.

However, the senator warned against excluding the Southeast from federal appointments, calling it “a big mistake” that risks violating the constitutional principle of federal character.

“The wrong narrative that the Southeast has been abandoned should not be allowed to fester,” he said. “Every region deserves a sense of belonging in the federation.”

Ndume expressed hope that future appointments would reflect better national balance and include more Southeast representation.