In a bold retort, Senate Chief Whip Ali Ndume defends his stand, deeming it unpatriotic not to apprise President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the nation’s reality, countering Kogi West Senator Sunday Karimi’s stance.
Simultaneously, former presidential spokesman Dr Doyin Okupe backtracks, lauding Ndume’s loyalty after a candid conversation, clarifying earlier misunderstandings.
Ndume confronts the relocation of key departments by CBN and FAAN, attributing it to misguided advice from “Lagos boys.”
The move receives widespread condemnation, notably from the Arewa Consultative Forum.
On live television, Ndume asserts that individuals with a skewed perception of Lagos as representative of Nigeria are misadvising President Tinubu.
His stance gains resonance, particularly in Northern regions.
Initially distancing himself from Ndume’s comments, Okupe later praises Ndume’s loyalty and reasoning in a 30-minute conversation, highlighting lapses in presidential consultations.
Senator Karimi dissociates from Ndume’s statements, emphasizing that Ndume doesn’t speak for Northern Senators.
Ndume clarifies, affirming his support for Northerners opposing the actions of CBN Governor and the Minister of Aviation.
Ndume, standing firm, cites Theodore Roosevelt’s quotes on patriotism, emphasizing the duty to tell the truth even when critical of public officials.
Okupe, retracting his initial stance, commends Ndume’s loyalty and acknowledges lapses in presidential consultations, fostering a respectful conclusion.
