In response to Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume’s opposition to the planned relocation of some departments of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) from Abuja to Lagos, Senator Sunday Karimi, Chairman of the Senate Services Committee, clarified that Ndume’s views were personal and did not represent the Senate’s position.
Speaking in Abuja, Senator Karimi emphasized that attaching ethnic or petty sentiments to the relocation was unnecessary, asserting that the move was aimed at enhancing cohesion and improving service delivery.
Ndume, in a Channels Television interview, had warned President Tinubu of political consequences, alleging influence by a cartel of ‘Lagos Boys’.
But Karimi promptly responded, cautioning leaders against making statements that could heat up the polity and create division.
Karimi argued, “For example, the headquarters of 96 per cent of all banks in Nigeria is in Lagos… It will, therefore, save cost to have that directorate in Lagos. Also, Lagos remains the hub of aviation in Nigeria; for operational efficiency, it is better to have FAAN in Lagos.”
He emphasized that decisions should focus on positively affecting people’s lives rather than ethnic sentiments. Karimi stated, “Senator Ndume’s position is personal and doesn’t represent the position of the Nigerian Senate.”
Notably, the Northern Senators’ Forum has not officially decided on the matter, preferring an investigation before taking a stance. During their last meeting, caution was urged, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation before any intervention, including legal processes.
Senator Karimi expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s intentions, stating, “I want to believe that our President, Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will not act in any way to undermine any section of the country; the decision would have been made for the cohesiveness of units within such organizations.”
