Senator Ali Ndume Highlights Corruption and Hunger in Nigeria
Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South at the National Assembly, has lamented the pervasive corruption in Nigeria, describing it as a significant challenge for the nation. He made these remarks during an interactive session with journalists in Kano on Saturday, September 28, 2024.
“Our primary challenge in this country is corruption. We lack a law that can effectively address this issue, either proactively or reactively,” Ndume stated.
He pointed out that in the political landscape, if someone appears to be honest, it is often due to luck or strong moral values. “In our system, especially in politics or government, if someone is not corrupt, they are fortunate to be God-fearing,” he noted.
Ndume criticized the societal acceptance of wealth acquired without proper explanation, saying, “It’s alarming that someone can go from having no money last week to buying multiple cars and jets the following week, and their family celebrates this.”
He contrasted Nigeria’s situation with that of developed countries, where such wealth would prompt scrutiny and questions about its origin. “In those countries, people would ask how, when, and where the money was made, but in Nigeria, the opposite is true,” he explained.
Despite his efforts to introduce a law targeting unexplained wealth, Ndume revealed that these initiatives have not been successful. He even approached a former Head of State to propose an Executive Bill on the matter, but was met with a refusal.
“To this day, there is no law or Executive Order addressing unexplained wealth in Nigeria,” he stated.
Additionally, Ndume expressed his concerns about the widespread hunger in the country, advocating for increased food crop cultivation. He emphasized Nigeria’s potential, stating, “We are blessed with vast, cultivable land that can be utilized to grow food and alleviate hunger.” He lamented that only a small fraction of this land has been cultivated, urging for a more concerted effort to utilize it effectively.