Hardship: Ministers, Lawmakers No Longer Have Access to Tinubu, Sen Ndume Alleges

In a recent interview with BBC Hausa, Senate Chief Whip Ali Ndume voiced strong criticism against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of operating behind closed doors and making it difficult for ministers and lawmakers to engage with the President.

Ndume’s remarks come at a time of rising concern over Nigeria’s soaring cost of living and a looming food scarcity crisis. The Chief Whip lamented that the government’s closed-door policy was a significant obstacle, hampering efforts to address these pressing issues effectively.

“The closed-door policy of the government is a major obstacle. Even ministers and lawmakers find it difficult to have meaningful discussions with the President,” Ndume stated, reflecting the widespread frustration among legislators and their constituents.

The Senator’s comments followed the introduction of a motion he co-sponsored with Senator Sunday Steve Karimi, aimed at tackling the country’s severe food crisis. Citing a World Food Programme warning that 82 million Nigerians could face food insecurity within the next five years, Ndume emphasized the urgent need for government intervention.

“Our objective is to urgently draw the government’s attention to the severity of this food crisis affecting countless Nigerians,” Ndume stressed. “We urgently need the President’s intervention on both the soaring cost of living and food shortages.”

Ndume also drew disturbing comparisons with Niger Republic and South Sudan, where children are dying due to hunger. “We have witnessed these tragedies elsewhere and are beginning to see similar signs in Nigeria,” he added.

Despite assurances from the government, Ndume expressed disappointment at the lack of concrete action taken to mitigate the crisis. “We implore the government to work with experts and stakeholders to find immediate solutions,” he urged.