The Chief Whip of the Senate, Ali Ndume, has voiced strong criticism of Nigeria’s current leadership, claiming the country is being governed by “kakistocrats” – those least qualified or most unscrupulous – and “kleptocrats” – those who steal the nation’s resources. Despite President Bola Tinubu’s good intentions, Ndume argued that many of those surrounding him do not share his vision.
In an interview with ARISE NEWS on Thursday, the Borno federal lawmaker expressed his concerns about the state of the nation, highlighting the severe issues of hunger, poverty, and rising inflation, with the country facing what he described as a dangerous trend. Ndume noted that inflation has surged to 40%, exacerbating food scarcity to the point where, in some places, food items are unavailable even if one has the money to buy them.
Ndume also touched on recent government policies that have faced public opposition, such as the cybercrime levy, which President Tinubu suspended after realizing he had not been fully informed about it. He emphasized the severe challenge of food insecurity, referencing the United Nations and World Food Programme’s designation of Nigeria as a hotspot for food crises.
Sharing personal concerns, Ndume said, “For people like me, I have to be scared because I’m 64 years old with 10 children, 20 grandchildren, and I don’t have a passport or visa to anywhere.” He also criticized the limited access to the president, contrasting it with the more open administration of former President Obasanjo, where senators could see the president within 24 hours.
Ndume expressed worry about the fuel subsidy removal’s implementation, despite supporting the policy. He recounted sending messages about public dissatisfaction to individuals in the presidential villa, only to receive dismissive responses blaming the opposition. “When people in power start responding like that, then I’m worried for the president and myself; there’s a problem out there,” he concluded.
