Ahmed Lawan: Critics unfair to say Tinubu is distant — he’s very accessible

Ahmed Lawan, former senate president, has dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu is inaccessible.

Speaking to State House correspondents in Abuja on Thursday after a private meeting with Tinubu, Lawan urged politicians and critics to engage directly with the president rather than complain from afar.

“Of course, the president was very receptive. I feel very honoured. The president welcomed me, and I must say I was really touched,” he said.

“That’s because I’m the only person the president saw today, and probably the only person he will see today.

“That shows how welcome I was to see the president, and I feel so great that I’ve been able to come and see him.

“That is to say that Nigerians are free to see the president. If you want to see Mr President, if you have something to tell him, he is very, very accessible.

“If someone feels otherwise, it’s not me, and I don’t think it’s fair to just stay somewhere and criticise when you have access.

“I don’t think it’s fair to just stay somewhere and criticise when access to the president is available.”

Lawan also called for accountability in capital project execution, respect for the armed forces, and faster coordination between the executive and legislature on the 2026 budget.

He said members of the national assembly are making efforts to ensure the full implementation of constituency and national projects across the country.

“Members of the national assembly are still working hard to ensure that the necessary steps and procedures are taken for constituency projects to be implemented,” he said.

“We are purely nationalistic and patriotic. We want every part of the country to benefit, whether the projects come from constituency allocations or the regular budgetary provisions.”

On the delayed presentation of the 2026 budget, Lawan stressed the need for speed and cooperation between both arms of government.

“Time is of the essence when it comes to the budget for the country,” he said.

“Both the executive and the legislature are working very closely to ensure that the 2026 budget estimates are presented to the national assembly as quickly as possible.”

He added that the legislature would not delay the process once the budget reaches the legislative chamber.

“We will not waste any time. We will ensure proper scrutiny and pass the budget as fast as possible,” he said.

Lawan, who chairs the senate committee on defence, also reaffirmed his respect for the Nigerian military and emphasised the need for accountability in defence spending.

“I know how committed our armed forces are. They deserve our respect and support at all times,” he said.

“This administration is giving a lot of funds to the armed forces and other security agencies. The next step is to ensure we get value for every kobo invested.”