Senator Ali Ndume has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu cannot tackle Nigeria’s security and economic challenges alone, urging the President to engage more Nigerians and surround himself with people who can contribute practical ideas.
Ndume made the remarks on Thursday while speaking with State House correspondents after meeting Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The Borno South lawmaker said he personally requested the meeting, which the President granted immediately, adding that both agreed to revive regular consultations on national issues.
“I actually sought the audience, and I was immediately granted it. The president was also looking forward to meeting with me,” Ndume said.
According to the senator, the discussion centred on Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, economic hardship and the need for collaborative efforts to find lasting solutions.
He stressed that no president could single-handedly resolve the country’s complex problems.
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“He needs people who can share ideas with him because, as the saying goes, two heads are better than one. You have your ideas; I have mine. When we put them together, we can come up with solutions,” he said.
Ndume disclosed that Tinubu suggested they hold similar engagements more frequently in a relaxed environment, possibly at his residence, to facilitate deeper discussions on governance and national development.
The senator also urged the President to communicate more directly with Nigerians rather than relying on aides and spokespersons.
“People expect their leader to tell them what is going on, instead of allowing others to speak on his behalf. It has been a while since he has spoken directly to Nigerians, and that is very important,” he said, adding that the President promised to look into the suggestion.
Ndume said he left the meeting encouraged, noting that Tinubu listened attentively to his concerns and acknowledged the growing dissatisfaction among many Nigerians over the current economic and security situation.
On insecurity, the former Senate Chief Whip said the President demonstrated seriousness by meeting with the nation’s service chiefs before receiving him.
He noted that sustained military operations had intensified pressure on terrorists and bandits across the country, particularly in the North-East and North-West, resulting in the elimination of some criminal leaders and the surrender of others.
Ndume, however, maintained that the government must sustain the offensive while improving the welfare of Nigerians through measures to reduce the rising costs of fuel, food and transportation.
The senator also endorsed recent calls for tougher action against terrorists, insisting that security forces should deal decisively with identified criminal elements.
He further welcomed the decision by the 19 Northern governors to establish a regional security trust fund, describing the initiative as a complementary effort that would strengthen the federal government’s fight against insecurity through greater collaboration and resource mobilisation.