Senator Ndume Criticizes Tinubu's Aides, Citing Incompetence and Embarrassment

Senator Ali Ndume has sharply criticized the current composition of President Bola Tinubu's administration, stating that unqualified individuals in key positions are causing embarrassment and hindering the president's effectiveness. Ndume, representing Borno South, warned that unless President Tinubu takes decisive action, these "kakistocrats" will continue to negatively impact his government.

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My concern remains that the President has so many kakistocrats dominating the presidency. Unless he does something about it, they will continue to mess him up.

Speaking on Arise Television, Ndume pointed to the recent discovery of a fake government agency operating within the presidency as evidence of systemic failures. He argued that the presence of "capable hands" would have prevented such an occurrence. While acknowledging the president's credit for suspending a permanent secretary involved, Ndume insisted that the president "is still not taking the appropriate action on it" regarding the broader issue of incompetent appointments.

Ndume also questioned the structure of the presidential campaign, suggesting that the party's National Chairman, rather than the president himself, should lead such efforts. He believes the president, as the "product," should not be responsible for "selling himself," a task that belongs to the party.

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We had a fake agency operating with an office, and after the ICPC investigated, they discovered even more. A permanent secretary in the presidency had to be suspended. That is where I give the President credit, but I insist that if he had capable hands, all this mess and embarrassment wouldn’t be happening.

Addressing the controversial removal of the fuel subsidy, Ndume reiterated his support for the policy, acknowledging it as one of the president's "very difficult decisions." However, he recognized the significant hardship it has imposed on Nigerians, noting that public anxiety is growing, with many "saying there is no sign of light at the end of the tunnel." He implied that the staff surrounding the president are a major factor in these ongoing challenges.

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The President has expressed himself and genuinely wanted to confront difficult issues. He has taken very difficult decisions, and it is painful to Nigerians, that is the greatest part of it now.