Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu’s Special Adviser, has responded to Senator Ali Ndume’s criticism of the president’s appointments. Onanuga accused Ndume of hypocrisy, pointing out that two of Ndume’s kinsmen received top NNPC roles. He stressed that Tinubu’s appointments focus on merit and national unity, not tribalism.
Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, has strongly rebuffed claims by Senator Ali Ndume that the president’s recent political appointments lack diversity and violate the constitutional requirement for federal character. In an interview on Arise TV, Ndume, representing Borno South, criticized the appointments, suggesting that they did not reflect Nigeria's constitutional mandate for equitable representation.
Onanuga, in a response via his social media on Tuesday, accused Ndume of hypocrisy and selective perception. He pointed out that while the senator from Borno expressed concerns about the lack of diversity in the appointments, he conveniently ignored the recent top positions given to two of his own kinsmen at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited. These appointments, according to Onanuga, were from Ndume's senatorial district, challenging the senator’s own narrative about tribal favoritism.
Onanuga suggested that Ndume’s criticisms were less about seeking justice and more about grandstanding for political gain, emphasizing that Ndume’s habit of issuing half-formed critiques was rooted in headline-chasing rather than genuine concern for Nigeria’s progress. He accused the senator of stoking divisive narratives, which could harm national unity.
The presidential aide stressed that President Tinubu's government was committed to inclusivity and fairness, basing appointments on merit, geographical balance, and the capability to serve the Nigerian people. Onanuga further urged Ndume to engage in more responsible political discourse, criticizing his remarks as a disservice to the nation and reflecting poorly on his position as a senator.
President Tinubu's administration, Onanuga reaffirmed, is focused on a prosperous Nigeria where all regions and ethnicities have a stake in governance. He urged politicians to rise above petty partisanship and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s growth.
