The Chief Whip of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Ali Ndume, has issued a strong critique of the Nigerian government, labeling it a “kakistocracy,” where the most incompetent, corrupt, and unscrupulous individuals hold power.
During an interview with Arise TV on Friday, Ndume expressed his dismay at the ineptitude and corruption in the country’s leadership.
Ndume stated that the government is being led by those unfit to govern, prioritizing personal interests over the well-being of the nation and its citizens.
He warned that the government is deteriorating, being run by kakistocrats and kleptocrats.
While acknowledging that President Tinubu genuinely seeks to bring renewed hope, Ndume stressed that achieving this requires surrounding himself with like-minded individuals.
He condemned recent government policies, such as the cybercrime levy, which faced public backlash.
Ndume noted that the president quickly suspended the levy upon realizing he was unaware of it.
He also highlighted the severe issues of hunger and food scarcity, with inflation rising to 40%.
He pointed out that Nigeria, previously not ranked among countries facing severe food crises, is now considered a hotspot by the UN and World Food Programme.
Ndume, 64, expressed personal concern about the country’s situation, stating he has no passport or visa to escape the dire circumstances.
He also lamented the limited access to President Tinubu, contrasting it with former President Obasanjo’s administration, where senators could meet the president within 24 hours.
He said during Obasanjo’s administration, if a senator wanted to see the president within 24 hours, “nobody will ask him what do you want to see Mr President for, he made sure within 24 hours that any senator has access to him”.
Ndume Blast the current isolation of the president, suggesting that those around him falsely assure him that everything is fine.
Ndume emphasized the need for President Tinubu to appoint competent individuals and democrats to key positions to ensure effective governance.
He urged the president to harness Nigeria’s resources and address pressing issues like climate change and food insecurity.
Comparing the current administration to that of former President Buhari, Ndume noted that Buhari’s regime, though criticized, was more open and accessible.
“During Buhari’s administration which I thought was not that good but if you compare this now to Buhari’s regime you give Buhari thumbs up because at least he opens up, people come to see him,” he said.
He mentioned that some ministers under Tinubu’s administration lack access to the president, with council meetings offering limited interaction.
Ndume supported the removal of fuel subsidies, hoping it would curb corruption and redirect funds to benefit the populace.
However, he proposed introducing food stamps to mitigate the impact on vulnerable citizens.
He also shared his concerns about public discontent, revealing dismissive responses from officials in the Presidential Villa to his messages, attributing the unrest to opposition machinations.
Ndume warned that such responses indicate a disconnect from reality, posing a problem for the president and the country.
“When people in power respond like that, I worry for the president and myself; there’s a problem out there.”
