Senator Ali Ndume, the chief whip of the Senate, has staunchly defended his stance on the relocation of the headquarters of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and certain offices of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to Lagos, as reported by The Cable News. Contrary to accusations of ethnic bias, Ndume asserted that his position is rooted in national interest rather than ethnicity, following CBN’s recent announcement of relocations.
Expressing concerns about the political implications for President Bola Tinubu in 2027, Ndume faced criticism on social media, with some labeling him as clannish. Undeterred,
he clarified that his opposition is based on practical considerations, highlighting the strain on an already overpopulated Lagos and emphasizing the need for CBN to focus on stabilizing the naira.
Senator Ndume, committed to speaking truthfully on national matters, defended his position by pointing out his family ties to the Yoruba community, citing his daughters’ marriages to Yoruba men and one daughter’s employment at CBN.
He rejected accusations of ethnic bias, urging critics to understand the substance of his arguments. Ndume maintained his call for CBN to prioritize its core responsibilities rather than relocating offices to a densely populated Lagos.
He emphasized the need for informed discourse and constructive dialogue on issues of national importance.