The Senator representing Borno South senatorial district, Ali Ndume, has stated that he has too much respect for President Bola Tinubu to be a critic of him.

Sen. Ndune has been vocal over the economic situation under Tinubu, stressing that the President is being misled by his advisers.

The senator who was a guest on Channels Television?s Politics Today on Tuesday refuted claims that he is antagonistic towards President Tinubu but rather his condemnation is aimed at the policies.

?I am not criticising the President but his policies. I am not a critic of this government, it is our government.

?I don?t criticise my elders, I am the son of a soldier and in the barracks, we respect our elders. Tinubu is my elder and I respect him, but I disagree with him on some areas hoping to agree,? Ndume said.

When asked about a viral picture of him and Tinubu in a cheerful mood, he said, ?He always says that I don?t come to the Villa. I told him that he didn?t ask me to, and he said I can come tonight.

?Then he [Tinubu] said he is attending my daughter?s wedding, even though it coincided with the Nigerian Army Remembrance Day. So after the ceremony, I was expecting him to leave. He said he is not going anywhere; and that he is going to attend the wedding. That is what actually happened.?

Speaking on tackling the country?s major problems, Ndume urged the President to turn his focus on implementing the federal budget and prioritise critical areas like security and welfare.

?I have always said it to Mr. President: implement the budget, and Nigerians will be happy. Concentrate on two things: security and welfare of citizens, and then every other thing will come,? (Channels TV, but headline rejigged)

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