Ndume has rights to criticise Tinubu, says northern group

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum has faulted an attempt by the Coalition of North-East Elders Forum to stifle the right of Senator Ali Ndume from criticizing the President Bola Tinubu-led administration.

The According reports that the Chief Whip of the Senate, Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South), had claimed that President Bola Tinubu was unaware of the current situation outside the Presidential Villa.

Ndume alleged that the President has been fenced off and caged by certain forces.

To this end, the Coalition of North-East Elders Forum had questioned the rationale behind Senator Ndume’s persistent outburst against the Bola Tinubu-led government, warning Ndume to stop attacking the president or lose the election in 2027.

But the AYCF kicked against the action of the North-East Elders Forum, accusing the Forum of attempting to suppress Senator Ndume’s freedom of expression as enshrined in both national and international conventions.

A statement released by AYCF President-General, Yerima Shettima, in Kaduna on Monday, noted that the senator representing Borno South at the National Assembly was covered by law as such, his views must be respected and not to be suppressed.

Shettima said, “The attack from CNEF against Senator Ndume is vindictive, unwarranted, and an unacceptable affront to democratic principles of freedom and fair play.

“It is a brutal encroachment on his right to freedom of expression, safeguarded by various international treaties and conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory.”

The AYCF leader also expressed concern over growing speculation Senator Ndume might be relieved of his position as the Chief Whip of the Senate.

He warned that any further attempts to breach Senator Ndume’s fundamental right to hold differing views would be vehemently resisted.

“Any government that cannot be criticized is a liability,” he stated while urging the North-East elders to desist from unnecessary attacks on the person Senator Ndume.

While the AYCF boss clarified that the Forum was against protests of any nature, he noted that the lawmaker was on point when he was quoted on the current hardship in the country.

Shettima urged the government to heed the observations made by the senator for the benefit of Nigerian citizens while warning the North East elders against manipulating and politicizing security issues for their own gain.

“The observations raised by Senator Ndume should be heeded by the government, as they reflect the collective concerns of many Nigerians facing hardships,” he added.