Senator Ali Ndume, Representing Borno South, Has Clarified That His Criticisms Are Directed At President Bola Tinubu’s Policies, Not The President Himself.
Speaking On Politics Today, A Channels Television Program, On Tuesday, January 14, Ndume Described Tinubu As His Mentor And Someone He Holds In High Regard, Despite Opposing Certain Policies.
Ndume, Known For His Recent Outspoken Critiques, Previously Blamed Nigeria’s Economic Challenges On Advisers Surrounding The President. He Also Opposed The Tax Reform Bills Submitted By Tinubu To The National Assembly And Even Threatened To Leave The All Progressives Congress (APC) Over The Proposed Legislation.
Ndume Clarified During The Interview That His Criticism Was Not Personal But Aimed At Improving Governance For The Betterment Of The Nation. “I Am Not Criticising The President But His Policies. I Am Not A Critic Of This Government; It Is Our Government,” He Stated.
He Further Explained His Approach To Criticism, Saying, “In All Of My Criticism, I Don’t Criticise My Elders. Tinubu Is My Senior; I Respect Him, Though I Disagree With Him In Some Cases In Order For Us To Agree For The Betterment Of Nigeria, But He Is Surrounded With… I Don’t Want To Use Another Word That Will Cause Me Another Suspension. I Criticise Policies, Not Tinubu. I Criticised The Policies Of Buhari, But I’m Closer To Tinubu Than Buhari. I Respect Tinubu, But I Disagree With Him In Some Areas, Hoping We Will Agree Soon.”