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ABUJA, FCT, NIGERIA – Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South at the National Assembly, has expressed deep concern over the pervasive corruption in Nigeria, criticizing how corrupt politicians are often celebrated rather than held accountable.
Speaking to journalists in Kano on Sunday, September 30, 2024, Ndume lamented the unchecked corruption in the country, attributing it to a lack of strong legal frameworks to address the issue effectively.
“Our major challenge in this country is corruption,” Ndume stated, as reported by NAN. He emphasized that despite the obvious theft of public funds, corrupt individuals continue to enjoy impunity and even admiration from their communities.
“In Nigeria, you can steal money, walk freely, and be celebrated,” he said, describing how people praise those who suddenly acquire wealth, even though it’s clearly from illicit sources.”
Ndume gave examples of politicians who, within weeks, go from being financially modest to owning luxury cars and private jets. “Their families celebrate them as if it’s a blessing from God,” he added, pointing to the deep-rooted cultural acceptance of corruption.
The senator revealed his unsuccessful attempts to push for an unexplained wealth law, which would require individuals to account for sudden wealth. He shared that he once approached a former head of state to enact an executive bill on the issue, but his efforts were rejected.
Ndume also expressed concern over the hunger crisis in Nigeria, highlighting the country’s underutilization of its vast arable land. “There is hunger in the land, and we have only cultivated less than five percent of our available land,” he said, urging increased agricultural efforts to address food insecurity.
