‘It’s Not A Crime’ — Ndume Defends Rendition Of Tinubu’s Signature Tune During Budget Presentation

ALI Ndume, Chief Whip of the Senate, has defended the rendition of the campaign anthem of President Bola Ahmed 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 PresidentTinubu 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.”

Eighteen-Eleven Media