Former Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, has urged President Bola Tinubu to communicate directly with Nigerians on pressing national issues, arguing that citizens deserve to hear from their leader rather than through presidential aides and spokespersons.
Ndume made the appeal on Friday while speaking with journalists after a closed-door meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. He said his advice was informed by the need to strengthen public confidence amid the country's economic difficulties and persistent security challenges.
According to the Borno South senator, President Tinubu assured him that the suggestion would be considered.
"I advised him, and he promised to look into it, to speak directly to Nigerians. Nigerians would expect that your leader will tell you what is going on, instead of other people talking on behalf of Mr President," Ndume said.
The lawmaker stressed that direct communication from the President would reassure citizens and provide greater clarity on government policies and efforts to address the nation's challenges.
On the security situation, Ndume expressed optimism over ongoing military operations against armed groups across the country, saying recent successes by security forces indicate that the tide may be turning against bandits and insurgents.
He noted that sustained pressure on criminal elements in the North-West, North-East and other troubled areas had begun to yield positive results, with several notorious leaders reportedly eliminated while others had surrendered.
"There has been a lot of pressure recently on bandits in the North-West, the North-East, and elsewhere. Some of their leaders have been taken out, and some of their commanders surrendered on Thursday. If this tempo is kept, we are sure that this thing will come to an end," he said.
Ndume called for sustained military operations and coordinated security efforts, expressing confidence that continued momentum would significantly improve the country's security landscape.
The senator's remarks come amid growing public calls for stronger presidential engagement with citizens as the administration confronts economic reforms, rising cost of living and security concerns across several parts of the country.
