By Juliet Umeh
Senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, has revealed that President Bola Tinubu assured him he would do everything within his power to restore security across the country following a private meeting at the Presidential Villa.
Ndume disclosed this on Friday during an interview on Channels Television, saying security was the major issue discussed during the nearly one-hour meeting with the president.
According to the senator, he spoke candidly about the worsening security situation in parts of the country, particularly in Borno State, and conveyed the concerns of Nigerians living in communities ravaged by insurgent attacks.
“He told me, ‘Ali, I will do everything to secure Nigerians.’ I believe him, and I pray that the promise will be fulfilled,” Ndume said.
The lawmaker said he was frank with the president, adding that Tinubu appreciated his honesty.
“I was not only frank but blunt. He knows me for speaking the truth, and he appreciated it. There are certain things we discussed that are confidential, so I cannot disclose them,” he said.
Ndume urged the president to broaden his consultations by regularly engaging respected Nigerians who would provide honest advice on governance and national security.
“The president should invite people who can look him in the eyes and tell him the truth. There are eminent Nigerians who will never seek appointments but have valuable ideas that can help the government if consulted,” he said.
Commending the recent rescue of abducted victims by security agencies after weeks in captivity, Ndume described the operation as evidence of improved coordination among the Department of State Services, DSS, the military and other security agencies.
He said the feat showed that Nigerian security forces could achieve greater success when provided with adequate training, equipment, ammunition and motivation.
The senator, however, appealed to the military not to relent, saying dozens of people, including schoolchildren, students and travellers, remain in captivity in communities across his Borno South Senatorial District.
He specifically mentioned abductees from Mussa, Lassa, Gwoza and the Biu–Buratai road, urging security agencies to intensify efforts to secure their release.
Ndume also called for increased investment in military hardware, including attack helicopters, to strengthen ongoing counter-insurgency operations across the country.
“I want to commend our security agencies for taking the fight to the insurgents. They have recorded significant successes, but we must not stop until those still in captivity are rescued.
“My appeal is simple: bring back our children,” he said.
