Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume has raised alarm over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s alleged disregard for legislative oversight in securing foreign loans totaling $9.45 billion. Speaking on Arise News’s Prime Time show with Charles Anagolu, the Borno South senator criticized the federal government for obtaining the loans without due approval from the National Assembly and for projects he described as lacking tangible impact.
Ndume, a prominent member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), stated that while borrowing is a globally accepted practice, it must be anchored on accountability and visible development goals. He cited several loans, including $500 million in June 2023 for the National Programme for Women and $800 million within the same month for petroleum subsidy palliatives. Others included $700 million for adolescent girls’ initiatives, $750 million for renewable energy, and two 2024 loans totaling $2.25 billion, all of which he described as questionable in terms of utility.
“I am not against borrowing,” Ndume stressed. “But the reasons behind these loans and their impact on real development must be scrutinized. I don’t believe the National Assembly approved these loans, at least not to my knowledge.”
Beyond fiscal issues, Ndume also faulted what he termed the lopsided nature of federal appointments under Tinubu’s leadership. According to him, the appointments violate Section 14(3) of the Constitution, which mandates federal inclusiveness in political appointments. He argued that the pattern of selection does not align with the president’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Ndume, known for his vocal stance on governance and transparency, defended his right to speak up, despite his close relationship with President Tinubu. “As lawmakers, our role is oversight. We must call out irregularities in the interest of all Nigerians. This isn’t personal—it’s about national unity and accountability.”
He lamented that such criticisms are often met with personal attacks rather than constructive engagement. “The moment I speak out, they attack my person and not the message. But leadership requires courage and truthfulness.”
In response, the presidency dismissed Ndume’s allegations as misleading and self-serving. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, in a statement on X, described Ndume as “allergic to facts and addicted to theatrics,” accusing him of selective criticism while ignoring benefits accruing to his constituency.
Onanuga pointed out that two individuals from Ndume’s senatorial district recently received top positions in NNPC Limited, contradicting the senator’s claim of ethnic favoritism. “If the president’s appointments were tribal, how did two of Ndume’s kinsmen land key roles in NNPC?” he queried.
While the presidency refrained from addressing the borrowing concerns directly, it reaffirmed Tinubu’s commitment to inclusive governance and merit-based appointments, urging critics to avoid misinformation and divisive rhetoric.
