Senator Ali Ndume of Borno South has raised serious concerns over the inaccessibility of President Bola Tinubu, stating that even members of Tinubu’s cabinet struggle to meet with him, let alone lawmakers. Speaking to the BBC Hausa Service, Ndume highlighted the critical issue of widespread hunger in Nigeria and the difficulty in discussing these urgent matters with the President.
During the interview, monitored by our correspondent in Kaduna on Wednesday, Ndume warned of severe malnutrition affecting children in the Northwest, emphasizing the gravity of the food crisis. He referenced a UN report predicting that 82 million Nigerians could face hunger within the next five years if immediate actions are not taken.
“We fear a scenario where people may go to the market with money but find no food to buy,” Ndume cautioned. He further elaborated on the dire situation in Katsina, where children are already suffering from malnutrition due to the lack of food. Ndume drew parallels to crises in Niger and South Sudan, where food shortages have led to child fatalities, and warned that Nigeria could be heading in the same direction.
Expressing his frustration, Ndume noted the absence of food reserves that the government previously maintained for emergencies. “This is a matter of serious concern and something should be done quickly about it,” he urged.
When questioned about his inability to meet with President Tinubu to discuss these issues privately, Ndume lamented the closed-door policy of the current administration. “Even some ministers cannot see the President,” he claimed, indicating a significant barrier to addressing the nation’s urgent needs.
Ndume’s remarks underscore the need for improved communication and accessibility within the government, especially during a time of escalating food insecurity and potential humanitarian crisis.
