Senator Ali Ndume calls for the implementation of an Unexplained Wealth Law to tackle corruption in Nigeria, pushing for greater financial transparency and accountability. Learn more about his stance on the fight against illegal wealth.
Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, has expressed renewed concern over the ongoing corruption problem in Nigeria, saying Nigeria continues to glorify individuals who steal public funds.
Speaking at an interactive session with journalists in Kano on Sunday, Ndume stressed how social values contribute to the normalization of ill-gotten wealth.
The senator expressed regret that in Nigeria, those who embezzle public funds not only go unchallenged but are even praised for their wealth. “The biggest challenge in the country is corruption. At the moment, there is no law that can proactively or reactively address the corruption problem in the country,” he said.
Ndume compared the Nigerian situation to that of developed countries, noting that while wealth is scrutinized abroad, in Nigeria it is undoubtedly admired. “In developed countries, people question the origins of their wealth, but in Nigeria, we are respected for flaunting our ill-gotten wealth,” he noted.
The senator did not mince words on the culture of impunity that surrounds corrupt politicians.
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“If there is someone in our system, especially in politics and government, who is not corrupt, he is lucky to be a God-fearing person, otherwise it is only in Nigeria that people steal money and walk around freely and party afterwards,” he complained.
Ndume reported that ostentatious displays of sudden wealth often evoke admiration rather than suspicion.
“It is only in this country that a person who had no money yesterday or last week can buy 10 cars or a jet the next week and his brother, mother and uncle will be on the plane with him and say Allah has blessed our son,” he said.
The senator also revealed that previous attempts to introduce legislation against unaccounted money in Nigeria have failed.
He said he had also sought help from former heads of state but the efforts “achieved nothing.” “At the moment, there is no law in Nigeria against unaccounted money or presidential decree against unaccounted wealth,” Ndume stressed.
Ndume not only spoke about corruption but also drew attention to the country’s looming hunger problem. He called on the government and the people to prioritise agriculture as a means to address food shortages.
“There is hunger in the country and so far we have not even been able to cultivate five per cent of this blessed land in Nigeria,” the senator said.
