Senator Ndume’s Meeting with President Tinubu
Ali Ndume, senator for Borno South, disclosed the outcome of his recent closed‑door meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. He said the discussion centred on two of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges: security and the economy.
Security Gains Highlighted
Ndume noted that the President had convened a meeting with the service chiefs before receiving him, signalling a proactive stance on security. He reported intensified military operations against bandits in the North‑West, successful campaigns in the North‑East that have neutralised insurgent leaders and prompted fighter surrenders, and a notable decline in separatist‑related violence in the South‑East.
“The South‑East situation is not what it used to be,” Ndume said. “We must commend the President, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Army and other security agencies for the progress they are making.”
Regional Security Trust Fund Welcomed
The senator also welcomed the initiative by the 19 Northern governors to create a regional security trust fund. He described it as a positive step toward stronger collaboration between the Federal Government and state authorities.
“Security cannot be left solely to the federal level. When governors contribute resources, they should work alongside existing security institutions. The more coordinated the effort, the stronger the response,” he added.
Economic Concerns and Call for Coordination
Beyond security, Ndume urged the Tinubu administration to intensify measures that alleviate the economic hardship facing Nigerians. He stressed the need for better coordination of interventions aimed at lowering the cost of living.
“We have the capacity to address these issues; we only need to align our efforts. Once Nigerians see tangible government action, they will appreciate it,” he said.
Advocating Direct Presidential Communication
Ndume also advised President Tinubu to engage Nigerians more directly through regular national addresses. He argued that clear communication from the President would strengthen public confidence in government policies.
“I told Mr. President that he should speak directly to Nigerians. Citizens expect their leader to inform them about what is happening, rather than relying on intermediaries,” Ndume recalled.
The President welcomed the suggestion and agreed to hold regular consultations on national issues, acknowledging that solving Nigeria’s multifaceted challenges requires input from a broad range of stakeholders.
“A country like Nigeria will always have problems. No single person can solve them all. We need diverse ideas — two heads are better than one,” Ndume concluded.
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