By Our Correspondent
Senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to engage Nigerians more directly and more frequently, saying citizens deserve to hear from their leader on critical national issues rather than relying solely on statements issued by presidential aides.
Ndume disclosed this on Thursday after a meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where discussions centred on the country's worsening security situation, economic challenges and development concerns in the North-East.
The senator said he used the opportunity to advise Tinubu to communicate personally with Nigerians on matters affecting the nation, stressing that direct presidential engagement would strengthen public confidence and foster greater trust in government.
According to him, while presidential spokespersons play an important role in communicating government policies, there are moments when Nigerians expect reassurance and clarity directly from the President.
"I advised Mr President that Nigerians need to hear from him more often. Instead of always speaking through his media aides, it is important for him to personally address the nation on key issues. People want to hear directly from their President," Ndume said.
He disclosed that Tinubu received the advice positively and assured him that the suggestion would be given due consideration.
Ndume described the meeting as frank and productive, revealing that both men discussed pressing national concerns, particularly insecurity, economic hardship and the peculiar challenges confronting the North-East region.
He said they also agreed to sustain regular consultations as part of efforts to exchange ideas and develop practical solutions to the country's numerous challenges.
According to the lawmaker, insecurity remains Nigeria's most urgent challenge, warning that violent attacks and criminal activities have spread beyond the North-East to several parts of the country.
While acknowledging the persistence of security threats, Ndume expressed confidence that the situation would improve through sustained military operations and enhanced collaboration among security agencies.
"Insecurity is our biggest challenge today. It is no longer confined to one region as it has spread across different parts of the country. However, I believe that with sustained military operations and better coordination, the situation will improve," he said.
The senator also addressed the country's economic difficulties, including rising fuel prices, food inflation and increasing transportation costs, saying Nigeria possesses the capacity to overcome the challenges through improved coordination and effective policy implementation.
He expressed optimism that government interventions, if properly coordinated, would ease the burden on citizens and stimulate economic recovery.
On regional security initiatives, Ndume threw his weight behind the decision by governors of the northern states to establish a regional security trust fund, describing the initiative as a step in the right direction.
He said the trust fund would provide additional support for security operations and complement ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to combat terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality.
The senator also endorsed the position of the Minister of Defence on the fight against terrorism, maintaining that identified terrorists should be confronted decisively in line with the law.
According to him, stronger cooperation between the Federal Government, state governments and security agencies remains essential to achieving lasting peace and stability across the country.
Ndume reiterated that addressing insecurity and economic hardship requires collective action, sustained political will and continuous engagement between government and citizens.
He expressed optimism that with regular consultations between the President and key stakeholders, as well as improved communication with Nigerians, the administration would be better positioned to address the nation's security and socio-economic challenges.
