Ndume to CBN: Focus on Naira Stability, Stop Planned Relocation to Lagos
Says no regret for opposing apex bank’s decision
Chief Whip of the Senate, Ali Ndume, has advised the apex financial institution in the country, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to focus more on stabilising the value of the nation's currency instead of dissipating energy on the relocation of some of its departments from Abuja to Lagos.
Ndume, who is representing Borno South Senatorial District, in the National Assembly said he had no regrets calling out the management of the CBN over the issue.
He said the spiralling exchange rate and the rising inflation, needed that attention of the authorities than the administrative arrangement that would further overpopulate Lagos State.
He said as a Senator, he has the right to make certain interventions, while clearing the air on claims that he is the mouthpiece of certain groups.
He insisted that the relocation of certain departments of the CBN to Lagos was wrong and not done in good faith. The principal officer of the Senate restated his conviction in a press statement yesterday.
His remarks have courted him criticisms from certain Nigerians who accused him of promoting the interest of the North as against the corporate interest of the country.
The Borno South Senator said since his intervention, some elements have been using a section of the media to attack his personality and question the credentials of his daughter who is a staff of the CBN.
He said though he’s a lawmaker, his daughter and children are qualified to work in any government agency as long as they’ve the needed credentials.
He said the subtle blackmail will not stop or deter him from pointing out lapses in government, saying it was his own way of assisting President Bola Tinubu in succeeding.
He said he’ll never be deterred from speaking truth to power whenever those saddled with the responsibility of managing the affairs of the country err.
The lawmaker challenged those attacking him and claiming that he harbours ill-feelings against the Yoruba to show their pan-Nigerian credentials, revealing that his two daughters are married to Yoruba men and have both given him five Yoruba grandchildren.
Ndume said he doesn’t speak for the North, nor Northern senators, but in the interest of Nigerians and Tinubu who he has enormous respect for.
He said: “I stand by what I’ve said about the relocation of FAAN and some departments of the CBN to Lagos State. If it is about decongestion, Lagos is not the right place.
"There are CBN offices in all the states of the federation. Why move the departments to Lagos that is already populated?
“Since my intervention, people have been using a particular newspaper to attack me and saying that I hate the Yorubas. They’re ignorant and they don’t know what they’re saying.
“My two daughters are married to Yoruba men, one from Lagos State and the other from Kwara State. I’ve five grandchildren who are Yoruba. How can I hate them and allow my daughters to marry them?
"Those saying I hate the Yorubas, how many of their sons and daughters are married to Hausas or Northerners? I’m a true Nigerian. They’ve also been questioning the fact that my daughter works at the CBN. They should check her records. She’s a Nigerian and she’s qualified to work anywhere, including the CBN.
“I’ve been the one pleading with her to remain there. She’s almost done with her PhD and she wants to go to the classroom as a lecturer. She’s a brilliant lady.
“Instead of these attacks on my person, the CBN should do its job and address the rising inflation and stabilising our exchange rates. They should leave me alone,” he said.