Tinubu caged inside Presidential Villa, says Ndume

Senate Chief Whip Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) has asserted that President Bola Tinubu is unaware of the prevailing situation outside the Presidential Villa.

Addressing journalists at the National Assembly complex in Abuja on Wednesday, Ndume alleged that the President is being isolated and controlled by certain influences.

Ndume voiced his concern over the President’s lack of significant action in addressing the country’s security challenges.

He noted that Nigerians are growing increasingly frustrated with the Tinubu administration’s perceived failure to address poverty, insecurity, hunger, and other urgent issues.

“Mr. President is out of touch with what is happening outside the Villa. He has been isolated and caged. Many of us refuse to use back channels to reach him.

“Now, they’ve silenced him, and he lacks public affairs managers apart from his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, who only issues press statements. Nigerians are becoming very angry,” Ndume said.

He also stressed the urgent need for the government to tackle food scarcity, warning that the lack of food could worsen the current crisis.

“The government is not addressing the food scarcity, and urgent action is needed. We have no food reserves. A food crisis is the worst crisis any nation can face. Combined with the security crisis, it would be catastrophic,” he said.

Ndume urged the President to become more aware of the nation’s realities.

“The President needs to wake up. It seems he’s unaware of what is happening because he’s been isolated by certain wealthy individuals. He should open his doors and meet with those who will tell him the truth,” he added.

He said, “Sadly, those who will tell him the truth won’t compete to meet him. I am very concerned, not just for the President but also for myself.”

Regarding the farmer-herder crisis, Ndume criticized stakeholders for not sincerely addressing the issue, noting that discussions have often been influenced by ethnic biases.

In an earlier interview with BBC Hausa on Wednesday, Ndume highlighted the Federal Government’s failure to address these issues as a significant challenge.

He also claimed that some ministers are unable to meet with Tinubu to discuss important matters.

“The main problem with this government is that its doors are closed, so much so that even some ministers cannot see the President, let alone members of the National Assembly, who lack the opportunity to meet with him and discuss issues affecting their constituencies,” Ndume said.