By Chesa Chesa
Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, says President Bola Tinubu has commended President Tinubu, the Armed Forces and other security agencies for intensifying operations against criminal groups.
Speaking with State House correspondents after the meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Ndume said the President granted his request for an audience immediately, marking the resumption of their regular engagements after a period without direct interaction.
The senator said the discussion centred on exchanging ideas on how to address Nigeria’s security and economic challenges, stressing that the President welcomed broader consultations.
“We had a very fruitful and useful discussion, and the President even insisted that we should do this regularly, not necessarily in the office where people are always rushing in and out, but in a more relaxed setting, perhaps at his residence, so we can think together about how to solve some of these problems,” Ndume said.
He noted that no single individual could solve Nigeria’s problems alone, adding that the country would benefit from the contributions of experienced Nigerians.
According to the former Senate Leader, insecurity remained the country’s biggest concern, with violent attacks no longer confined to the North-East but spreading across the North-West, North-Central, South-West and parts of the South-East.
He revealed that he had to wait for his appointment because the President was meeting with the service chiefs, describing it as evidence of the administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity.
The senator said sustained military pressure had led to the elimination of several bandit leaders while some commanders recently surrendered, expressing optimism that continued operations would eventually end the menace.
“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 yesterday. If this momentum is sustained, we are confident that the problem will eventually end,” he said.
Beyond security, Ndume urged the Federal Government to pay greater attention to the welfare of Nigerians by addressing the rising cost of petrol, food and transportation.
He said he advised President Tinubu to communicate more frequently with citizens instead of relying mainly on aides and government officials.
Responding to questions on the decision of the 19 northern governors to establish a regional security trust fund, the senator welcomed the initiative, saying security should not be left solely to the Federal Government.
