Senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume has defended the rendition of President Bola Tinubu’s campaign tune at the hallowed chamber of the National Assembly during the presentation of the 2024 budget.
Recall that during Tinubu’s appearance at the national assembly for the budget presentation earlier in the week, the lawmakers stood up as a symbol of respect but the band was heard playing the President’s campaign song from when he was a presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Some notable Nigerians and as well as groups such as the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have since condemned the act.
But Ndume; who is the Senate Chief Whip, however, feels there is nothing wrong with the action.
He argued that under the era of former President Muhammadu Buhari, the ‘sai baba’ mantra was also recited by the lawmakers.
“It is not a crime. Honestly, it is not a big deal. In this country, we pick on trivial things. When a President walks in, there are times that some members take advantage of that situation to even challenge the President directly.
“When Buhari came some time back, this same thing was done – ‘Sai Baba’ (was chanted). So why should Tinubu’s case be a big deal?” he said