Victor EzejaIn response to the backlash against his recent comments on the proposed relocation of the headquarters of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and certain departments within the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from Abuja to Lagos, Senate Whip, Senator Ali Ndume has stood his ground, emphasizing that it would be unpatriotic to withhold the truth from President Tinubu.
Speaking out during the week against the relocation plan Senator Ndume on Tuesday in a television programme cautioned Tinubu against the move, saying the president was being ill-advised by “Lagos boys” in the corridors of power.
“All these Lagos boys who are thinking that Lagos is Nigeria are just misinforming and advising the President wrongly,” the lawmaker, who represents Borno South, had said.
Ndume clarified that he did not represent the Northern Senators or the Senate in his statement. Instead, he asserted his perspective as a Northerner aligned with the sentiments of the majority in the North and some Nigerians who oppose the actions of CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso and Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo.
“With all due respect, I did not speak on behalf of the Northern Senators or the Senate but as a Northerner in support of the majority of Northerners and some Nigerians who are against the action of the CBN Governor and the Minister of Aviation,” Ndume stated.
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He further invoked the words of a famous former American President, highlighting the essence of patriotism in standing by the country rather than supporting public officials without questioning their wrong moves. Ndume asserted, “It is unpatriotic not to oppose him to the exact extent that by inefficiency or otherwise, he fails in his duty to stand by the country.”
In concluding his defense, Ndume reiterated that his expressed opinions were personal, emphasizing the importance of telling the truth regardless of the individual involved.
This declaration serves as a clear indication that Ndume remains steadfast in his conviction regarding the relocation issue.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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