Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South in the National Assembly, has expressed grave concerns about the extent of corruption in Nigeria, calling it a significant challenge for the nation. He made these remarks during an interactive session with journalists in Kano on Saturday, September 28, 2024.
Ndume stated, “Corruption is our biggest challenge. To this day, we lack laws that can effectively address corruption in this country.” He added, “If you encounter someone in politics or government who isn't corrupt, they can consider themselves fortunate and God-fearing.”
He noted that in Nigeria, it is common for people to lobby and flatter politicians, even when aware that their wealth is ill-gotten. “It’s only in this country where someone can go from having no money to suddenly purchasing multiple cars and jets, with their family celebrating this newfound wealth.”
The senator pointed out that in developed nations, people would question how an individual acquired such wealth, but the opposite occurs in Nigeria. Ndume mentioned his attempts to introduce a law addressing unexplained wealth but noted that these efforts have not succeeded. He even sought the support of a former Head of State to sign an Executive Bill on the matter, but it was declined.
“Currently, there is no law regarding unexplained wealth in Nigeria, nor is there an Executive Order addressing it,” he concluded.