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Ndume Slams Tinubu’s Advisers Over Economic Hardship
Senator Ali Ndume of Borno South has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration, focusing on what he perceives as misguided counsel from the president’s advisers.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) member, in a statement released on Friday, expressed deep concern over the escalating economic hardship faced by Nigerians, attributing it to ill-advised policies.
“I personally believe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu means well for Nigeria and Nigerians. I know this because I know what he stands for. But some of his advisers who don’t mean well for the people of this country give him wrong advice,” Senator Ndume declared, emphasizing his faith in the president’s intentions while casting doubt on the quality of guidance he receives.
The senator, who was removed from his position as Senate chief whip in July following previous criticisms of the Tinubu administration, painted a stark picture of the current economic situation in his home state of Borno.
“People are really suffering, hungry, frustrated and angry,” he stated, highlighting the dire circumstances many families face in meeting basic needs.
Ndume provided specific examples of the hardship, noting, “In Borno State here, many families can’t even feed anymore. The untold hardship of these frequent increases in the prices is unimaginable. Farmers can not even move their farm products anymore because of the high cost of transportation.”
The senator’s concerns extend beyond his immediate constituency, as he pointed out the ripple effects of increased transportation costs on food prices nationwide.
“Those who can still do this add the cost of transportation to the prices of food items they sell, and that’s why many people can’t feed again. People can’t travel anymore. To travel by road from Abuja to Maiduguri, for instance, is a fortune. How many of our people can afford that?” he questioned.
In a direct appeal to President Tinubu, Ndume urged caution against what he sees as potentially destructive advice.
“I’m appealing to him to resist these bad people who want to pitch the people against his administration,” he said.
He added, “I know that President Tinubu means well for Nigerians, and therefore he should not stay back and allow a few bad advisers to destroy this country.”
The senator called for urgent action upon the president’s return to Nigeria, emphasizing the need to address these issues promptly.
“As soon as the President returns to Nigeria, I urge him to look into these issues and address them urgently. The purchasing power of Nigerians is too poor, and they can’t afford the things that are being pushed on them every day by enemies of the state,” Ndume stressed.
This latest criticism marks the fourth instance of Ndume publicly voicing concerns about the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms.
His previous statements led to his removal as Senate chief whip in July, following a letter from the APC requesting his dismissal from the position.
Despite apologizing in August after a meeting with APC national leadership, Ndume’s recent comments suggest his concerns about the country’s economic direction remain unabated.