Yesterday, Senator Ali Ndume issued a stern warning to President Bola Tinubu, cautioning about potential political consequences if the proposed relocation of some departments of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) headquarters to Lagos proceeds.
Ndume, speaking on Channels Television, expressed concern that President Tinubu might be influenced by what he referred to as a “Lagos Boys” cartel. He asserted that these individuals lack an understanding of the broader dynamics of Nigeria and would be of little assistance when political repercussions arise.
Insisting that if congestion is the issue, more suitable locations would be states like Nasarawa, Kaduna, or Kogi due to their proximity to Abuja, Ndume stressed the need to consider the entire nation, not just Lagos.
He cautioned against the potential political fallout, stating, “We will not accept it… this will have political consequences.” Ndume reminded President Tinubu that it wasn’t votes from Lagos that brought him into office and urged him to reconsider the relocation decision.
Highlighting the consensus in the North against the move, Ndume emphasized that Abuja is the designated federal capital and criticized the idea of splitting crucial institutions between different cities. He expressed confidence that President Tinubu, being a nationalist, would reassess the decision.
In conclusion, Ndume asserted, “This is a decision that is not well thought out. And I think the president will reverse it. I’m confident that. And if that does not happen, of course, this is democracy, and we know what to do.”
