Senator Ali Ndume, the Chief Whip of the Nigerian Senate, has criticized the Nigerian government, describing it as a “kakistocracy,” a system where the most incompetent and corrupt individuals are in power. In an interview with Arise TV on Friday, Ndume expressed concerns that the country is being led by those unfit to govern, prioritizing their interests over the nation’s well-being.
Ndume pointed out that the government is faltering, emphasizing that it is “run by kakistocrats.” He noted that while President Tinubu genuinely seeks to instill renewed hope, this can only be achieved with like-minded individuals around him. Ndume highlighted the government’s recent controversial policies, such as the cybercrime levy, which faced public backlash and was quickly suspended by the President upon realizing he was unaware of it.
The senator expressed alarm over the severe hunger and food scarcity in Nigeria, mentioning that inflation has soared to 40%. He warned that even with money, people struggle to find food, marking a dangerous situation. Ndume noted that Nigeria, previously not listed among countries facing severe food crises, is now considered a hotspot by the UN and World Food Programme.
He criticized the limited access to President Tinubu, stating that some ministers only meet the president during council meetings, with the president often leaving first. Ndume contrasted this with former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s tenure, where senators could meet the president within 24 hours. He lamented the current isolation of the president and the government’s failure to address critical issues like climate change and food insecurity.
Ndume urged President Tinubu to leverage Nigeria’s resources and surround himself with competent individuals, emphasizing the need for inclusive and effective governance. He stressed the importance of having advisors who can inform the president when things go wrong.
Ndume also compared the current administration unfavorably to former President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure, which he now views as better in terms of openness and accessibility. He expressed frustration that even some ministers under Tinubu’s administration lack access to the president, with their only interactions occurring during council meetings.
Ndume supported the removal of fuel subsidies, hoping it would reduce corruption and redirect funds to benefit the populace. However, he proposed introducing food stamps to mitigate the subsidy removal’s impact on vulnerable citizens. He also revealed concerns about public discontent, noting that dismissive responses from officials indicate a disconnect from reality. Ndume warned that such attitudes could spell trouble for both the president and the nation.