Senator Ndume Reveals How Nigeria’s System Rewards Corrupt Politicians

Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has expressed concern over how corruption is normalized in Nigeria, particularly when politicians are celebrated for flaunting stolen wealth. During an interactive session in Kano, Ndume called for stronger laws, including an Unexplained Wealth Act, to address this systemic issue. The senator lamented the lack of proactive anti-corruption measures and warned about the dire consequences of continuing to honor those who exploit public funds for personal gain.

Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has once again voiced his frustration with the deep-seated corruption in Nigeria’s political landscape, where those who steal public funds are often praised and glorified. Speaking at an interactive session with journalists in Kano, Ndume highlighted the stark difference between how wealth is perceived in developed countries and in Nigeria.

According to the senator, in most developed nations, people are required to explain the sources of their sudden wealth, but in Nigeria, ill-gotten riches are openly flaunted and even celebrated by communities. “It is only in Nigeria that you steal money, walk freely, and then you are celebrated,” Ndume lamented. He pointed out how individuals who suddenly amass wealth through corrupt means are revered, with family members and communities praising them as ‘blessed,’ despite knowing the money was stolen.

Ndume underscored the severity of the problem, stating, “If you see somebody in our system, especially in politics or government, and he is not corrupt, then he is lucky that he is God-fearing.” He further condemned the culture where such corrupt individuals are not only free from accountability but are lauded by society, who see their ill-gotten wealth as a sign of success.

The senator emphasized that Nigeria lacks effective legal frameworks to address corruption, specifically lamenting the absence of an Unexplained Wealth Act. He recounted his efforts to introduce legislation on the matter, but they were met with resistance and ultimately stalled. “Up till now, there is no law on Unexplained Wealth Act in Nigeria and there is no Executive Order on Unexplained Wealth in Nigeria,” Ndume revealed, calling for immediate action to address this legislative gap.

The issue, according to Ndume, goes beyond personal greed; it is an institutional failure. He argued that without strong anti-corruption laws, the country will continue to suffer from systemic corruption that stifles development and leaves citizens in poverty. “Our major challenge in this country is corruption. Up till now, we have no law that can proactively or even reactively address the issue of corruption,” he said.

In addition to corruption, Ndume also touched on the issue of hunger, pointing out that Nigeria, despite its fertile land, has failed to harness its agricultural potential. “There is hunger in the land, and up till now we have not cultivated up to five percent of our land,” he noted. The senator called for increased efforts in agriculture to combat hunger and promote self-sufficiency in food production.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with economic challenges, Ndume’s comments have sparked renewed debates on the need for urgent anti-corruption reforms, particularly the establishment of an Unexplained Wealth Act. He believes this is the key to curbing the culture of impunity and fostering accountability in the political system.