Senator Ali Ndume, who represents the Borno South senatorial district, expressed his concern over the persistent issue of corruption in Nigeria, attributing its endurance to the way politicians who embezzle public funds are often glorified. The senator made these remarks during an interactive session with journalists in Kano on Sunday.
Ndume noted that in more developed countries, individuals are scrutinized and questioned about the sources of their wealth. However, in Nigeria, it is common for people to be admired for displaying wealth that is acquired through illicit means. He emphasized that corruption remains one of the country’s greatest challenges, lamenting the absence of laws that either proactively or reactively address the issue of corruption.
“Our primary issue in this country is corruption. Even now, we do not have laws that can proactively or even reactively tackle the problem of corruption,” he stated. Ndume further explained that in Nigeria’s political and governmental systems, it is rare to find individuals who are not involved in corrupt practices. He believes that those who are free from corruption are often people who are fortunate to be God-fearing.
He added, “It is only in Nigeria that one can steal public money, walk around freely, and even be celebrated for it. When such individuals arrive in a community, people lobby them and even prostrate in admiration, despite knowing that the wealth was obtained through corruption.”
Ndume criticized the cultural phenomenon where someone who was recently impoverished can suddenly acquire wealth, such as multiple cars and private jets, and their family members will regard it as divine favor. “His family members, his mother, his brothers, his uncles would all proudly join him, saying that Allah has blessed our son,” Ndume remarked.
The senator also revealed his frustrations in trying to introduce legislation on unexplained wealth in Nigeria. He said that despite making several attempts, including seeking the assistance of a former head of state, his efforts were unsuccessful. “To this day, there is no law on unexplained wealth in Nigeria, and neither is there an Executive Order addressing it,” Ndume said.
In addition to corruption, the senator highlighted the widespread hunger affecting the nation. He attributed the problem to underutilization of Nigeria’s vast arable land, urging the government and citizens to increase crop cultivation as a means of addressing food insecurity.
“There is hunger in the land, and to this day, we have only cultivated up to five percent of our fertile land,” Ndume concluded.
