TheCable

Ali Ndume, chief whip of the senate, has defended the rendition of the campaign anthem of President Bola Tinubu during the 2024 budget presentation.

On Wednesday, Tinubu presented the 2024 budget to the joint session of the national assembly.

During the presentation, many lawmakers stood up to welcome the president while the band was heard playing the “On your mandate” anthem.

The anthem was created by supporters of Tinubu during the build-up to the 2023 presidential election.

Many Nigerians, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have condemned the rendition of the campaign anthem at the hallowed chamber of the national assembly.

In an interview on Channels Television on Friday, Ndume said there is “no big deal” in the rendition of the campaign anthem at the national assembly, adding that Nigerians like focusing on “trivial things”.

The senator said former President Muhammadu Buhari was given the same treatment when he came to the national assembly.

“It is not a crime. It is not right, but it is not a crime. Honestly, it is not a big deal. In this country, we usually pick on trivial things,” he said.

“There are times that some members take advantage of that kind of situation to even challenge the president directly.

“When Buhari came some years ago, this same thing was done. Lawmakers were shouting “Sai Baba”. Why should Tinubu’s case be something of a big deal?

“I’m saying it is not right but it is not a big deal. Everywhere, they do that. Even in America, where we copied from. We have issues like that.”

‘TINUBU MORE AUTHORITATIVE THAN BUHARI’

Speaking further, the Borno senator said the budget presented by Tinubu is “more realistic” than the ones presented by previous administrations.

He added that Tinubu is in charge of his administration, unlike his immediate predecessor, adding that the former president did not supervise those he handed responsibilities to.

Ndume said he believes that the administration of Tinubu would improve the country while urging Nigerians to support the president.

“I believe him. He can change things. The president here is in charge, and that is one thing about him. Sometimes people even think that Tinubu is too authoritative,” he added.

“He takes charge, unlike our former president (referring to Buhari). The former president will just give you an assignment and not look over you.

“That was the problem. That was the mistake Buhari made, and he ended up confessing that he had more kleptocrats in his government than those who had the interest of the nation.”