The Chief Whip of the Senate, Ali Ndume, stands by his criticism of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s decision to relocate certain departments from Abuja to Lagos. Ndume expressed no regrets over his remarks, stating that his intervention was based on the reality of the situation and the perceived irrelevance of the action taken by the CBN leadership. Responding to the criticism he received, Ndume emphasized that his daughter’s credentials qualified her for her position at the CBN, and he wouldn’t be swayed by subtle blackmail.
In a statement, the Borno South senator asserted his right as a lawmaker to address government lapses. He challenged those questioning his intentions, highlighting that his daughters are married to Yoruba men, emphasizing his pan-Nigerian credentials.
Ndume urged the CBN governor to focus on stabilizing the country’s monetary situation, specifically addressing the exchange rate and rising inflation, instead of concentrating on relocating departments to an already densely populated Lagos State. He clarified that he speaks in the interest of Nigerians and President Bola Tinubu, whom he respects greatly, and not as a representative of the North or Northern senators.
He said, “I stand by what I’ve said about the relocation of FAAN and some departments of the CBN to Lagos State. If it is about decongestion, Lagos is not the right place. There are CBN offices in all the states of the federation. Why move the departments to Lagos which is already populated?
“Since my intervention, people have been using a particular newspaper to attack me and saying that I hate the Yorubas. They’re ignorant and they don’t know what they’re saying.
“My two daughters are married to Yoruba men, one from Lagos State and the other from Kwara State. And I’ve five grandchildren who are Yoruba. How can I hate them and allow my daughters to marry them? Those saying I hate the Yorubas, how many of their sons and daughters are married to Hausas or Northerners? I’m a true Nigerian.”
Ndume added, “They’ve also been questioning the fact that my daughter works at the CBN. They should check her records. She’s a Nigerian and she’s qualified to work anywhere, including the CBN.
“I’ve been the one pleading with her to remain there. She’s almost done with her Ph.D. and she wants to go to the classroom as a lecturer. She’s a brilliant lady.
“Instead of these attacks on my person, the CBN should do its job and address the rising inflation and stabilising our exchange rates. They should leave me alone.”
He further noted, “President Tinubu is my friend and he knows that I support him 100%. He appreciates honest feedback and will not tolerate what these people around him who are becoming a political cartel are doing.
“I’ll continue to speak the truth and point out areas where corrections are needed. That’s my job as a senator. It is not personal at all.”.