Senate Chief Whip Ali Ndume has expressed concern that President Bola Tinubu is unaware of the severe hunger and anger among Nigerians. Speaking with journalists at the National Assembly complex in Abuja on Wednesday, Ndume asserted that President Tinubu is isolated in the Presidential Villa, receiving misinformation and being shielded from honest Nigerians who could convey the truth.

Ndume's comments came in response to a Senate resolution advising the federal government to address the hunger crisis to avoid public outrage. On Tuesday, Ndume co-sponsored a motion by Senator Sunday Karimi, Chairman of the Senate Services Committee, titled "Urgent Need to Address Food Insecurity and Market Exploitation of Consumables in Nigeria."

Ndume lamented the lack of significant action to mitigate the country's security challenges, which he said pose a constant threat to food security. He stated, "Mr. President is not aware of the situation outside the villa. He has been isolated and controlled. Many of us refuse to go through back channels to engage him. They have now limited his communication, with only his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, issuing press statements."

Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Ndume added, "Nigerians are extremely angry. The government is not addressing the food scarcity issue and must act quickly. We lack food reserves. A food crisis is the worst crisis any nation can face, and when combined with security issues, it becomes dire."

Ndume urged the president to become more aware of the real situation by opening his doors to those who will speak truthfully. "The president needs to wake up. He seems unaware of what is happening because he is surrounded by elites. He should meet with those who will tell him the truth. Unfortunately, these truthful individuals will not compete for his attention. I am deeply concerned not just for the president, but also for myself."

Ndume also expressed disappointment with stakeholders' lack of straightforwardness in addressing the issue of herders, which he said exacerbates the food scarcity problem.