I Am Closer To Tinubu Than Buhari, Criticise Policies For Nigeria’s Betterment – Ndume

The lawmaker representing Borno South, Senator Ali Ndume, has reiterated his respect for President Bola Tinubu while clarifying his approach to governance and criticism.

Speaking on Tuesday during Channels Television’s Politics Today, the senator underscored his commitment to constructive criticism that will improve Nigeria.

Ndume described his relationship with Tinubu as cordial and rooted in mutual respect.

“I am not a critique of the government. It is our government. President Tinubu is one of my mentors,” he said.

Addressing a viral photo of him and Tinubu in a cheerful moment, Ndume explained, “He always says that I don’t come to the Villa. I told him that he didn’t ask me to, and he said I can come tonight. Then he [Tinubu] said he is attending my daughter’s wedding, even though it coincided with the Nigerian Army Remembrance Day. He said he is not going anywhere; that he is going to attend the wedding.”

Focus On Policies, Not Personalities

Naijaonpoint reports that the senator stressed that his critiques target policies, not personalities.

He said, “In all of my critiques, 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. I criticise policies, not Tinubu. I criticised policies of Buhari, but I’m closer to Tinubu than Buhari.”

Opposition To Tax Reforms

Ndume referred to his recent opposition to the tax reform bills proposed by Tinubu, calling them “dead on arrival.” He argued that increasing the tax burden on Nigerians was counterproductive.

“Our people are saying they don’t want the VAT bill; they don’t even want to hear about it. That is why we are going to make it dead on arrival,” he said.

Ndume urged Tinubu to heed the advice of the National Economic Council (NEC) and the Northern Governors’ Forum to withdraw the bills.

The senator emphasized the need for Tinubu’s administration to focus on budget implementation and address critical issues like security and welfare.

“I have always said it to Mr. President: implement the budget, and Nigerians will be happy. Concentrate on two things: security and welfare of citizens, and then every other thing will come,” Ndume advised.