Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume has accused President Bola Tinubu of bypassing the National Assembly in securing over $9.45 billion in loans, claiming the funds were tied to questionable and non-transparent projects.
Speaking on Arise News’ Prime Time, on Tuesday, the Borno South lawmaker listed several recent loans, including $500 million for a women’s programme, $800 million as fuel subsidy palliatives, and $750 million for renewable energy, among others.
“Let me say that I am not against borrowing,” Ndume stated. “America, Japan, China and other big countries do borrow. They borrow for fiscal, tangible and accountable projects, which they pay back over time. But my worry is what they borrow for.”
He continued, “For example, in June 2023, they borrowed $500 million for a woman programme called NPMWPS. In the same June 23, 2023, another $800 million was borrowed to cushion the effects of the increase in the price of petroleum products.
“Again on September 23, 2023, $700 million was borrowed for adolescent girl initiatives. Again, in December 2023, $750 million was borrowed for renewable energy scale up.
“On June 24, 2024, $1.5 billion was borrowed to support Nigeria for economic stabilisation act for the economy. Then another $750 million was borrowed for technical support to stabilise Nigeria’s economy and scale up support for the poor.”
By his count, the loans total $9.45 billion, which he equated to about ₦13 trillion. When asked if the loans had National Assembly approval, Ndume replied, “Not to my knowledge.”
He also accused Tinubu of ignoring federal character principles in his political appointments.
“Well, I don’t think I have anything to add, because the figures are there. You can look at it. I sent you all. It is not that I am making accusations or saying that Mr President does not have the right to make appointments,” he said.
“But Section 14 (3) of the constitution is very clear. When you look at it vis-à-vis the appointments made so far, they are political appointments… the constitution… states that political appointments should reflect the federal character guideline, which is not the case here.”
Ndume warned that failure to address the alleged imbalance could have consequences. “All I am saying is to call the attention of Mr President to such infractions so that they can be corrected, otherwise, this thing can boomerang at a certain period of time.”
He added that despite his close ties with the president, his criticisms stem from duty and not malice. “If you count five people in the north that have a personal relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I (Ndume) am one of them. But that does not stop me from saying the truth. I have the obligation to do that in the interest of all Nigerians.”
READ ALSO: Presidency Slams Senator Ndume Over ‘Lopsided Appointments’ Comment
He accused Tinubu’s allies of often attacking him for speaking up. “It is unfortunate that after this interaction, these so-called ‘Tinubu Boys’ or people will start attacking Ndume, saying he is a very frustrated person.”
Presidency Responds
Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga dismissed the senator’s claims as “hypocritical” and “fact-free,” describing him as “allergic to facts and addicted to theatrics.”
“Senator Ali Ndume’s latest outburst on TV about so-called ‘lopsided appointments’ by President Bola Tinubu reeks of hypocrisy and selective perception,” Onanuga posted Wednesday night on X.
He pointed out that two of Ndume’s kinsmen currently hold top positions at NNPC Limited, including its chairman.
“If Tinubu and his surrogates’ choices are so ‘tribal,’ how did two of Ndume’s kinsmen clinch NNPC’s top roles?” he queried.
While Onanuga did not address Ndume’s allegations about unapproved borrowing, he insisted Tinubu’s appointments are rooted in merit and diversity.
“President Tinubu is deeply committed to fostering a government that embraces all Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic or regional affiliations,” he said.
He urged Ndume to “elevate public discourse and avoid misinformation and baseless criticism,” warning that such conduct is “a disservice to the nation and the behaviour least expected from a Nigerian senator.”