By Omoniyi David
Senator Ali Ndume of Borno South has again criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of being filled with kleptocrats, sycophants, and individuals who lack the courage to speak truth to power.
Speaking in a recent interview, Ndume said President Tinubu got it wrong by surrounding himself with dependents rather than independent-minded individuals.
He cited the treatment of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai during his ministerial screening as an example of what he described as political injustice.
He clarified that he is not a fan or friend of El-Rufai but insisted that the truth must be told.
Ndume said President Tinubu must come to terms with the fact that transitioning from a political kingmaker to a national leader requires honest feedback and checks.
He noted that the President’s current leadership style does not allow space for dissenting voices.
He added that the government is now dominated by what he called kakistocrats and kleptocrats and insisted he would continue to speak out until changes are made.
Reacting to recent remarks by presidential aide Bayo Onanuga who called him a frustrated lone wolf, Ndume dismissed the comment and reaffirmed his political relevance.
He said Bayo Onanuga is nothing more than a domestic staff to the President while he, Ndume, is a four-time senator and two-time member of the House of Representatives.
He welcomed the label “lone wolf,” adding that he is not frustrated and that his political journey has been a product of grit and divine grace.
He described himself as a son of nobody who became somebody without knowing anybody.
He said he is not one of the President’s dependents but a genuine political ally.
Ndume added that if the roles were reversed, Tinubu would have been on the streets protesting some of the decisions currently being made by his administration, as he had done in the past.
Despite private overtures from individuals within the presidency to persuade him to soften his stance, Ndume insisted he would not yield.
He said he remains a senator with a mandate from the people and that under a functional democracy, the President is supposed to lobby lawmakers and not the other way around.
He maintained that he would continue to play his role in the legislature without fear or favor.
