'Nigerians Want to Hear From You, Not Your Aides' — Ndume Tells Tinubu After Closed-Door Meeting

Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.

Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has criticised President Bola Tinubu's prolonged silence and urged him to communicate more directly with Nigerians rather than relying on spokespersons and aides to convey his message. Ndume made the call on Thursday, July 9, 2026, after a closed-door meeting with the President at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja, where they discussed the country's worsening security challenges and economic difficulties.

The former Senate Leader told journalists that he had advised the President to reach out more to citizens, noting that Nigerians desperately need to hear from their leader at a time of mounting hardship. "I told Mr President that he should reach out more. I also advised him, and he promised to look into it and speak directly to Nigerians," Ndume said. "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."

Ndume described the meeting as his first encounter with the President in some time and revealed that Tinubu had welcomed the engagement, proposing that such consultations be held regularly, possibly in a more relaxed setting away from the formal pressures of the office. The senator stressed that no president could single-handedly resolve Nigeria's problems, adding, "A country like Nigeria will have problems, and the President alone cannot solve them all. He needs people who can share ideas with him because, as the saying goes, two heads are better than one."

On insecurity, Ndume described the crisis as Nigeria's most urgent challenge, warning that violence once concentrated in the North-East had now spread to the North-West, North-Central, South-West, and even parts of the South-East. He noted that while the situation in the South-East had improved, it still required attention. Ndume acknowledged recent military gains against bandits and terrorists, revealing that some of their leaders had been killed and others had surrendered. He expressed optimism that if the current momentum was sustained, the problem could eventually be brought under control. He also noted that his meeting was delayed because the President was in a security meeting with service chiefs, describing it as evidence of Tinubu's hands-on approach.

Turning to the economy, Ndume acknowledged that Nigerians continue to grapple with high fuel prices, rising food costs, and expensive transportation. He argued that Nigeria possesses the capacity to handle these challenges but requires better coordination within government. "We have the capacity to handle these problems. What is needed is coordination. Once that is done and Nigerians begin to see the government's efforts, they will appreciate it," he said.

Ndume also endorsed the decision by 19 northern governors to establish a regional security trust fund, describing it as a welcome development. He argued that security should not be left solely to the Federal Government and that state-level initiatives should complement federal efforts. "You should not leave the responsibility only to the Federal Government," he said. "The more people on the ground pressing the fight, the better." He further backed calls for a tougher approach against terrorists, insisting that security forces should deal decisively with anyone identified as a terrorist.

Ndume's criticism of the President's communication style comes amid growing frustration among Nigerians over what many see as insufficient direct engagement from the Presidency on critical national issues. The senator's remarks have added to a chorus of voices calling for more transparent and regular communication from the nation's leader, particularly as the country grapples with persistent insecurity and economic hardship.

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