In a sharp response to a recent derogatory remark made by Senator Ali Ndume, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has fired back, challenging Ndume’s long-standing representation in the National Assembly and defending his integrity. The incident has sparked a debate over political decorum and respect between leaders in Southern Borno, as Bwala rejected the “Maga Dog” label, which Ndume had used in a television interview on Channels TV.
Bwala, who is from Southern Borno, is known for his work in the public sector, particularly in his role as a senior policy advisor to President Tinubu. In a statement, he clarified that he was neither interested in running for the Senate nor planning to replace Ndume in the Southern Borno constituency. He highlighted that his current focus was on his duties with the President and public service, not engaging in political battles or pursuing a Senate seat.
Senator Ali Ndume, who has represented Southern Borno in the National Assembly for over 21 years, recently made headlines after calling Bwala a “Maga Dog” during a television interview. Ndume’s remarks were a response to criticisms about his performance in representing Southern Borno and the failure to deliver on promises to the region.
In the television interview, Ndume appeared defensive, addressing various issues, including political disagreements with other leaders, particularly those from his own party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). He also commented on Bwala’s role as Special Adviser, stating that Bwala had been critical of his long tenure in the Senate.
Reacting to the insults, Bwala responded forcefully, addressing the Senator’s frustrations while challenging his political record. He accused Ndume of having failed to deliver meaningful progress in Southern Borno despite serving in the National Assembly for over two decades. According to Bwala, Ndume’s representation in the Senate had not resulted in substantial development or benefits for the people of Southern Borno.
One of the more poignant criticisms from Bwala was the exclusion of Ndume from a recent list of honorees for the Southern Borno Excellence Award, which celebrated distinguished sons and daughters from the region. Bwala noted that this exclusion highlighted the growing discontent among the people of Southern Borno about Ndume’s leadership and his failure to meet their needs.
Bwala expressed his surprise at Ndume’s reaction, especially given the Senator’s history of seeking help from Bwala during politically difficult moments. He recalled how Ndume had once visited his office seeking support after being suspended by the then Senate President Bukola Saraki, and later again when Ndume sought Bwala’s backing during his bid to become Senate President. According to Bwala, these instances were marked by a cordial and respectful interaction, despite the current hostile exchanges.
In his statement, Bwala also highlighted what he described as Ndume’s double standards. He pointed out that while Ndume freely criticizes leaders, he himself becomes defensive and resorts to issuing threats when he is called out. Bwala argued that this kind of behavior undermines the principles of democracy and political accountability. He noted that leadership requires respect and the ability to engage with others in a constructive manner, rather than resorting to insults and threats.
“Respect is reciprocal,” Bwala stated. “We must all hold ourselves to a standard of integrity and civility, especially in politics, where our words and actions can affect the lives of millions.”
Bwala also expressed concern over Ndume’s alleged meetings with opposition groups at night, which he suggested were inconsistent with the Senator’s publicly professed loyalty to the APC. This raised questions about the Senator’s commitment to the party’s values and the interests of his constituents, Bwala argued.
The exchange between Bwala and Ndume is not just a personal dispute but also reflects broader issues within Nigerian politics, particularly within the APC and the leadership of Southern Borno. Southern Borno, a region that has faced numerous challenges, including security concerns and infrastructure deficits, has long sought effective leadership that will bring tangible improvements to the lives of its people.
Ndume, as the current Senator, has served in various capacities in the Senate and is considered a senior political figure within the APC. However, his critics argue that his tenure has been marked by political maneuvering rather than substantive achievements for his constituents. This has led to growing frustration, especially among younger leaders and political activists like Bwala, who are pushing for new approaches to leadership and governance.
For Bwala, the current political climate in Southern Borno is one that demands fresh ideas and a focus on development rather than political infighting. As Special Adviser to President Tinubu, Bwala has been involved in various policy reforms aimed at improving governance, but he maintains that his priority remains the advancement of the people of Southern Borno, not engaging in personal rivalries.
While Bwala has firmly stated that he is not seeking to replace Ndume in the Senate, his public criticisms of the long-serving politician suggest that the region may be on the cusp of a political shift. As younger, more dynamic leaders like Bwala continue to challenge the status quo, it is likely that Southern Borno will see increasing calls for political accountability and development.
