A former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, has lauded President Bola Tinubu over the latest round of appointments to the boards of key federal agencies, describing them as a reflection of Tinubu\u2019s \u201cdetermination to strengthen institutions and leave behind a legacy of transformative leadership.\u201d<\/h2>\n
Naija News<\/b> reports that Ndume made the commendation in a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, noting in particular the appointment of Mohammed Babangida, son of former military President Ibrahim Babangida, as chairman of the Bank of Agriculture.<\/p>\n
President Tinubu on Friday approved several new appointments across federal parastatals. Other appointees include:<\/p>\n
Lydia Kalat Musa as Chairperson of the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority<\/p>\n
Jamilu Wada Aliyu as Chairman of the National Educational Research and Development Council<\/p>\n
Yahuza Ado Inuwa as Chairman of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria<\/p>\n
Sanusi Musa (SAN) as Chairman of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution<\/p>\n
Additionally, Prof. Al-Mustapha Aliyu was appointed Director-General of the Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa; Sanusi Garba Rikiji was named DG of the Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiations; and Abdulmumin I. Aminu-Zaria became Executive Director of the Integrated Water Resources Management Commission.<\/p>\n
Oyo State\u2019s Tomi Somefun also secured a key appointment as Managing General of the National Hydro-Electric Power Areas Development Commission.<\/p>\n
A regional breakdown of the appointees showed a strong presence of individuals from Northern states. Kano and Kaduna produced three and two appointees respectively, while Niger, Sokoto, and Zamfara each secured one slot.<\/p>\n
Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, commended the President for what he described as a continuation of the inclusive approach witnessed in May, when 12 northerners were appointed to lead key federal institutions.<\/p>\n
He said, \u201cThese appointments and the one he did last May, when he gave 12 key agencies to competent individuals from the North, were assuring enough.<\/i><\/p>\n
\u201cIt goes to show that he is a responsive leader who listens to criticisms and surrenders to genuine and legitimate agitation.\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n
While praising the appointments, Ndume also issued a cautionary note regarding regional balance, urging the President not to allow the Southeast feel excluded from federal patronage.<\/p>\n
He said, \u201cThe wrong narrative that the South-East has been abandoned and would not count in patronage distribution should not be allowed to fester for long.<\/i><\/p>\n
\u201cIt is even a breach of the Federal Character Principle, as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, to strip an entire region of adequate representation.<\/i><\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a big mistake that must be corrected. Every part of the country deserves a sense of belonging in a federation.\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n
Ndume concluded by expressing optimism that subsequent appointments would reflect \u201cbroader national inclusiveness,\u201d adding, \u201cWhile I acknowledge Mr President\u2019s steadfastness with these appointments, we are hopeful that subsequent nominations will accommodate more individuals from the Southeast.\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n
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