A former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, has lauded President Bola Tinubu over the latest round of appointments to the boards of key federal agencies, describing them as a reflection of Tinubu’s “determination to strengthen institutions and leave behind a legacy of transformative leadership.”
Naijaonpoint reports that Ndume made the commendation in a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, noting in particular the appointment of Mohammed Babangida, son of former military President Ibrahim Babangida, as chairman of the Bank of Agriculture.
President Tinubu on Friday approved several new appointments across federal parastatals. Other appointees include:
Lydia Kalat Musa as Chairperson of the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority
Jamilu Wada Aliyu as Chairman of the National Educational Research and Development Council
Yahuza Ado Inuwa as Chairman of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria
Sanusi Musa (SAN) as Chairman of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution
Additionally, Prof. Al-Mustapha Aliyu was appointed Director-General of the Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa; Sanusi Garba Rikiji was named DG of the Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiations; and Abdulmumin I. Aminu-Zaria became Executive Director of the Integrated Water Resources Management Commission.
Oyo State’s Tomi Somefun also secured a key appointment as Managing General of the National Hydro-Electric Power Areas Development Commission.
A regional breakdown of the appointees showed a strong presence of individuals from Northern states. Kano and Kaduna produced three and two appointees respectively, while Niger, Sokoto, and Zamfara each secured one slot.
Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, commended the President for what he described as a continuation of the inclusive approach witnessed in May, when 12 northerners were appointed to lead key federal institutions.
He said, “These appointments and the one he did last May, when he gave 12 key agencies to competent individuals from the North, were assuring enough.
“It goes to show that he is a responsive leader who listens to criticisms and surrenders to genuine and legitimate agitation.”
While praising the appointments, Ndume also issued a cautionary note regarding regional balance, urging the President not to allow the Southeast feel excluded from federal patronage.
He said, “The wrong narrative that the South-East has been abandoned and would not count in patronage distribution should not be allowed to fester for long.
“It is even a breach of the Federal Character Principle, as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, to strip an entire region of adequate representation.
“This is a big mistake that must be corrected. Every part of the country deserves a sense of belonging in a federation.”
Ndume concluded by expressing optimism that subsequent appointments would reflect “broader national inclusiveness,” adding, “While I acknowledge Mr President’s steadfastness with these appointments, we are hopeful that subsequent nominations will accommodate more individuals from the Southeast.”