Ndume said to avoid imminent electoral consequences, urgent steps should be taken to address the prevailing concerns. He stated, “Anybody that tells you that the north is not grumbling now is not telling the truth. While absolving Tinubu of direct blame, Ndume stated that the president’s problems stemmed largely from the calibre of people around him. The former CBN governor, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against him. Maishanu, who claimed that he was sanctioned by CBN for the money, stated that the $6.2 million was never used for the purpose it was meant.