Ndume applauds Tinubu for appointing Northerners to agencies

DDM News

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been praised by Senator Ali Ndume for his recent appointments of several northerners to top positions in federal agencies.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that this commendation comes weeks after Ndume and other northern leaders criticized what they described as imbalance and marginalization in previous political appointments made by the president.

The Federal Government on Friday announced the appointment of twelve individuals from the northern region into key roles across several federal parastatals.

Among the appointees is Yazid Shehu Umar Danfulani from Zamfara, who now serves as the Managing Director of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC).

Also appointed is Hamza Ibrahim Baba from Kano, as the Programme Manager of the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP).

Abubakar Umar Jarengol from Adamawa was named Executive Director (Operations) of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC).

The list includes Sama’ila Audu from Katsina as Executive Director (Administration) of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).

Others are Musa Garba Mai Tafsiri from Kebbi as Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education.

Isa Aremu from Kwara was appointed Director-General of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS).

Senator Ndume had, in April, openly criticized the president for allegedly making lopsided appointments that did not reflect the principle of federal character as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.

He accused Tinubu of excluding the northern region from several key government positions and warned that such acts could fuel distrust and deepen divisions.

However, in a statement issued on Saturday, the Borno South Senator changed tone and praised the president’s response to the criticism.

Ndume described Tinubu as a leader who listens to public feedback and shows willingness to correct his mistakes.

He acknowledged that no leader is perfect, but emphasized that true leadership involves the humility to make adjustments when the public expresses discontent.

According to him, President Tinubu has demonstrated the traits of a responsive statesman by taking steps to address previous imbalances.

Ndume stated that the president’s recent appointments reflect fairness and inclusiveness, particularly towards the northern region.

He further noted that northern leaders, including himself, had previously expressed concern and protested the exclusion of the region in earlier appointments.

“The hallmark of a good leader and statesman is to quickly adjust himself when he takes a decision that many find uncomfortable,” the statement read.

He added that President Tinubu has on many occasions proved to be a cosmopolitan and fair-minded individual, capable of reviewing his own policies.

Ndume stressed that the new appointments are a clear indication that the president is not rigid or deaf to the voices of those he governs.

According to the senator, the northern region now feels recognized and included in the federal administrative structure, thanks to the latest decisions.

He concluded that the inclusion of northerners in federal leadership roles will promote national unity and give a sense of belonging to all Nigerians.

President Tinubu has yet to directly respond to the commendation, but the appointments are seen by many analysts as a strategic move to build broader political support.

Critics had warned that persistent regional exclusion in federal appointments could deepen sectional resentment and erode national cohesion.

Analysts believe that the president’s action is part of efforts to stabilize his administration amid growing calls for equity and justice across all regions.

Observers are watching to see how the administration will continue to balance regional representation in future appointments and policies.

This development is also likely to influence political dynamics ahead of future national conversations on governance and restructuring.

With rising pressure on the presidency to maintain fairness, transparency, and inclusivity, these appointments may serve as a turning point in Tinubu’s approach to leadership.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) will continue to monitor developments and provide updates on reactions from other regions and stakeholders.

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