Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, has described Senator Ali Ndume’s comments as uncharitable, disappointing, and embarrassing.
“We felt really embarrassed, disappointed in what Senator Ali Ndume said,” Malagi said.
He expressed concern over Ndume’s choice of words, especially toward government officials. “When they say someone is a senator, I mean he’s a senator of the Republic of Nigeria. It’s a very weighty position. Whatever comes out of the senator’s mouth should be really very responsible,” he said.
Malagi took issue with being labelled minister of misinformation. “I take exception to that. I’m a totally bred professional. I mean, I’m not a rookie in any way,” he said.
He also defended his colleagues in the presidency. “Even those who are working in the presidency. Bayo Onanuga, almost 40 years of experience doing this job I mean he fought for democracy, you could see that the president also gave him a CON. The government honored him the commander of the order of Niger ” Malagi added.
He said it was wrong for Ndume to refer to people serving in government as domestic servants. “But to come and lump these people and say they’re domestic servants. We don’t feel that that was a responsible statement coming from a distinguished senator.”
He said Ndume’s conduct was unfortunate and urged him to reconsider. “We do hope that he will have a rethink about his style. He’s not just a man on the street.”
On Governor Zulum, Malagi said, “We met with Governor Zulum and we talked about it. I think it’s largely out of misunderstanding.”
He also advised public office holders to practice media literacy and focus on national unity rather than blame. “Governor Zulum and I have seen severally after that. I think that he understood my position and we have moved on.”
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