Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, has criticized Senator Ali Ndume of Borno South for his repeated attacks on President Bola Tinubu’s government. Speaking during a Channels TV Town Hall meeting on the contentious Tax Reform Bills, Dogara took issue with Ndume’s vocal opposition, along with other northern leaders and governors.
Senator Ndume, in a recent interview, defended himself against accusations of ignorance, citing his education both in Nigeria and the U.S., as well as his long teaching career. He questioned why critics label him ignorant, particularly because he is from Borno State and wears Agbada. “I’m 65 years old. I went to school in Nigeria and America. I taught in polytechnics for 20 years before joining politics. I even married two of my daughters to Yoruba men,” Ndume remarked.
Dogara, however, dismissed this defense, stating that intelligence is not measured by media appearances or listing one’s educational background. “Intelligence is not about going to TV stations and talking about where you schooled or the grades you had. Intelligence is about offering real solutions. Otherwise, you’re just a content creator,” Dogara said.
Regarding the northern leadership’s stance on the tax reform bills, Dogara further remarked, “No northern leader would do what Tinubu has done by creating a livestock ministry for the north. If we get it right, the north won’t need to rely on VAT from other states.”
