Ali Ndume, the senator representing Borno South, claims he is not a critic of President Bola Tinubu, but of his policies.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, Ndume stated that the president is his mentor and that he respects him in great regard.
The politician, who had previously been an outspoken critic of Tinubu’s policies, had said that “some advisers” around the president are to blame for the country’s economic hardships.
He also opposed the tax reform measures sent by the president to the national parliament for consideration, threatening to abandon the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the proposed legislation.
However, Ndume noted that he is not a critic of the Tinubu-led administration while reiterating his commitment to constructive criticism for the betterment of Nigeria.
“I am not criticising the President but his policies. I am not a critic of this government; it is our government,” he said.
“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 better 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.”
When asked about a viral picture of him and Tinubu in a jovial mood, Ndume said the president asked about his rare appearance at the Aso Villa.
“The president is one of my mentors. He only said, why do I not come to the villa. I told him that he didn’t ask me to, and he said I can come tonight,” the lawmaker said.
“Then he (Tinubu) said he is attending my daughter’s wedding, even though it coincided with the Nigerian Army Remembrance Day.
“So, after the ceremony, I was expecting him to leave. He said he is not going anywhere and that he is going to attend the wedding. That is what actually happened.”
Speaking about the escalating waves of banditry in the north-west, Ndume stated that the deployment of extra assault helicopters will neutralise the issue.
The legislator expressed confidence in the Nigerian Army’s ability to battle terrorism, pointing out the need for additional military financing.
