Senator Ali Ndume issued a warning to President Bola Tinubu, cautioning about potential political consequences if the proposed relocation of some Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) departments to Lagos proceeds.
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Ndume criticized the president for being influenced by a group he referred to as the “Lagos Boys,” asserting that they lack a comprehensive understanding of Nigeria. He argued that if the move was due to congestion, states like Nasarawa, Kaduna, or Kogi, in proximity to Abuja, would be more suitable than distant Lagos.
“Some of them think that they know better than everybody. But they don’t know anything. When you don’t know Nigeria, you only know Lagos, then you start doing things as if Nigeria is Lagos. Lagos is in Nigeria. That’s a wrong decision,” Ndume expressed on Channels Television.
He emphasized that the decision could have political repercussions and criticized those advising the president, stating they would not be there to rectify any political mistakes.
Ndume highlighted the consensus in the North against the move, emphasizing that there should be only one federal capital, which is Abuja. He advised President Tinubu to reconsider the relocation decision, emphasizing that Lagos did not solely contribute to his electoral victory.
The senator questioned the feasibility of having dual capitals, expressing concerns about the practicality of operating the CBN governor’s office in Lagos while its headquarters remained in Abuja.
He cited examples related to the extraction of oil from the South-south and agricultural production in the North, stating that such considerations do not determine the relocation of essential institutions.
In conclusion, Ndume expressed confidence that President Tinubu, being a nationalist, would review the decision. He warned that if the decision stands, appropriate democratic actions would be taken.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator and a recipient of the D9112 Superstar Icon Award, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
