The Nigerian government has rebuffed Senator Ali Ndume’s recent critique of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, branding him as a “loose cannon” and a “careless talker.”
According to Sahara Reporters, appearing on Arise TV, Ndume criticised the Tinubu administration, alleging that it is managed by incompetent individuals who prioritise personal gain over the nation’s interests.
Ndume, who serves as the Chief Whip of the Senate, accused President Tinubu of running a closed-door policy, preventing people, including some ministers, from accessing him.
He claimed that even members of the National Assembly, who should be able to communicate the hardships faced by Nigerians directly to the President, are denied this opportunity.
Ndume further described the Aso Rock Villa as resembling a graveyard due to the lack of visitors.
In a swift response, Tope Ajayi, the media and public affairs aide to President Tinubu, issued a statement countering Ndume’s accusations.
Ajayi dismissed Ndume’s capacity for self-reflection, suggesting that his comments were driven by personal grievances rather than genuine concern for the country.
Ajayi pointed out that Ndume had successfully secured positions for his children in prestigious state-owned enterprises such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), yet had shown little regard for the plight of the poor until his personal agenda was thwarted.
Defending President Tinubu, Ajayi asserted that the President is well aware of the difficulties faced by Nigerians and is diligently working to address these challenges.
Despite the economic difficulties, Ajayi claimed that there are signs of improvement, noting that President Tinubu receives daily briefings and maintains interactions with various groups, which keeps him informed about the realities on the ground.
Ajayi’s statement emphasised the administration’s commitment to addressing the nation’s issues while painting Ndume’s criticisms as disingenuous and motivated by self-interest.
He highlighted that President Tinubu’s efforts are focused on genuine national progress, unlike Ndume’s approach, which Ajayi implied was self-serving.
Ajayi said, “Senator Ndume does not remember the poor and their children when it is time to fix his own children into CBN, NNPC, and other choice MDAs and state-owned enterprises.
“He made baseless and unfounded allegations against the president that he is cut off from the reality of Nigerians. This President is well aware and fully abreast of the current material conditions of Nigerians, and he is working very hard to deal with the challenges.”….Seē _ Morē