I only criticise Tinubu’s policies, not personality — he is my mentor, says Ndume

Ali Ndume, the senator representing Borno south, says he is not a critic of President Bola Tinubu but of his policies.

Speaking on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television on Tuesday, Ndume said the president is his mentor, and he holds him in high esteem.

The lawmaker, who had been an outspoken critic of Tinubu’s policies, had said “some advisers” around the president are responsible for the economic hardship in the country.

He also kicked against the tax reform bills transmitted by the president to the national assembly for consideration and threatened to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) due to the proposed legislation.

However, Ndume noted that Tinubu is not a critic of the Tinubu-led administration while reiterating his commitment to constructive criticism for the betterment of Nigeria.

“I am not criticising the President but his policies. I am not a critic of this government; it is our government,” he said.

“In all of my criticism, 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, but he is surrounded with…. I don’t want to use another word that will cause me another suspension.

“I criticise policies, not Tinubu. I criticised the policies of Buhari, but I’m closer to Tinubu than Buhari. I respect Tinubu, but I disagree with him in some areas, hoping we will agree soon.”

When asked about a viral picture of him and Tinubu in a jovial mood, Ndume said the president asked about his rare appearance at the Aso Villa.

“The president is one of my mentors. He only said, why do I not come to the villa. I told him that he didn’t ask me to, and he said I can come tonight,” the lawmaker said.

“Then he (Tinubu) said he is attending my daughter’s wedding, even though it coincided with the Nigerian Army Remembrance Day.

“So, after the ceremony, I was expecting him to leave. He said he is not going anywhere and that he is going to attend the wedding. That is what actually happened.”

Speaking on the rising waves of banditry in the north-west, Ndume said the deployment of additional attack helicopters will checkmate the situation.

The lawmaker expressed confidence in the Nigerian Army’s ability to combat terrorism, noting that there is a need for increased funding for the military.