Former Senate Leader Ali Ndume has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to personally address Nigerians on the country’s pressing economic and security challenges instead of relying on aides and presidential spokespersons. The Borno South senator said direct communication from the President would strengthen public confidence and reassure citizens during a difficult period.
Senator Ali Ndume has called on President Bola Tinubu to take a more visible role in communicating with Nigerians, arguing that citizens want to hear directly from their elected leader rather than through intermediaries.
The lawmaker made the appeal after a closed-door meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where discussions focused on insecurity, economic hardship and strategies for addressing the country’s mounting challenges.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Ndume disclosed that he advised the President to engage Nigerians personally on critical national issues.
According to him, President Tinubu welcomed the suggestion and indicated he would consider speaking more directly to the public.
“People expect their leader to tell them what is going on, instead of allowing others to speak on his behalf,” Ndume said, adding that it had been some time since the President last directly addressed Nigerians.
The senator also revealed that discussions covered the country’s security situation and the rising cost of living, stressing that stronger communication would help citizens better understand government policies and ongoing efforts to tackle national challenges.
Ndume’s remarks come amid growing public debate over presidential communication, with critics and supporters alike calling for more direct engagement from the country’s leadership.
The senator noted that while government officials regularly brief the public, Nigerians often expect major policy updates and explanations to come directly from the President, particularly during periods of economic hardship and insecurity.
He also commended recent military operations against terrorists and bandits, saying security forces have intensified pressure on criminal groups across several parts of the country. However, he maintained that sustained coordination and regular communication remain essential to maintaining public trust.
Ndume disclosed that President Tinubu proposed that they resume regular consultations to exchange ideas on governance and national development.
The senator said he welcomed the initiative, expressing optimism that broader consultations and more direct communication could strengthen the government’s response to Nigeria’s security and economic challenges.
Ndume’s latest intervention adds to ongoing conversations about leadership, transparency and public engagement in Nigeria. Whether the Presidency adopts a more direct communication strategy remains to be seen, but the senator’s appeal reflects growing expectations that the nation’s leader should personally explain government decisions during moments of national significance.