Senator Mohammed Ndume has accused President Bola Tinubu of bypassing the National Assembly to secure questionable loans amounting to $9.45 billion, and also criticized what he described as lopsided federal appointments that disregard Nigeria’s federal character principle.
Ndume, who represents Borno South under the All Progressives Congress (APC), made these remarks during an appearance on Arise News Prime Time. He voiced concerns over the purpose of the loans, arguing that many were not tied to capital projects or initiatives with clear, tangible outcomes.
“I’m not against borrowing. Countries like the U.S., Japan, and China borrow too — but they do so for accountable, physical infrastructure or projects they can justify,” Ndume stated.
Citing specific examples, he said, “In June 2023, the government borrowed $500 million for a women’s programme (NPMWPS), and another $800 million was borrowed that same month to cushion fuel subsidy removal. Then in September 2023, $700 million was borrowed for adolescent girl initiatives. In December, $750 million was taken for a renewable energy scale-up. Fast forward to June 2024, $1.5 billion was borrowed for economic stabilisation, and another $750 million for technical support and poverty alleviation.”
According to him, the total sum of these borrowings stands at $9.45 billion — approximately ₦13 trillion. When asked whether these loans were approved by the National Assembly, he responded, “Not to my knowledge.”
Ndume also decried what he sees as ethnic favoritism in federal appointments made by the Tinubu administration. Referring to lists circulating on social media, he said the appointments appear to favor a particular section of the country, contradicting the spirit of inclusivity in the president’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
“The appointments so far clearly breach the federal character principle as outlined in Section 14 (3) of the Constitution,” he said. “These are political positions, not professional roles like that of the Chief of Army Staff or Inspector General of Police, where qualifications are a strict prerequisite. Political roles should reflect the nation’s diversity.”
He warned that failing to correct these alleged imbalances could have serious political consequences down the line.
Responding to likely criticism, Ndume defended his role as a vocal lawmaker, saying his criticisms are not personal but part of his constitutional duty. “As a legislator, my job is to hold the executive accountable. It’s unfortunate that when I raise legitimate issues, people attack me personally instead of addressing the substance of what I’m saying.”
Ndume, who claims to have a close personal relationship with President Tinubu, emphasized that his concerns are rooted in patriotism, not malice. “Even if I’m close to the president, I owe Nigerians the truth. Leadership comes with accountability — not just to the people, but ultimately to God,” he said.
Meanwhile, the presidency has dismissed Ndume’s claims, denying any form of nepotism or appointment bias. A statement issued late Monday described the senator as “averse to facts and addicted to attention-seeking behavior.”
