Senator Ali Ndume has expressed deep concern over the pervasive corruption in Nigeria, describing it as a significant challenge for the country.
Ndume made these remarks during an interactive session with journalists in Kano on Saturday.
“Our major challenge in this country is corruption. Up until now, we have no law that can effectively address this issue, either proactively or reactively,” he stated.
He emphasized that corruption has become deeply entrenched, especially within political and governmental systems. “If you see someone in our system, particularly in politics or government, who is not corrupt, then he is fortunate to be God-fearing,” he added.
“Otherwise, only in Nigeria can someone steal money and walk freely, even being celebrated for it. When you enter a community, people start lobbying and prostrating before you, even when they know the money was stolen,” Ndume remarked.
He highlighted the stark contrast between Nigeria and other countries when it comes to wealth acquisition. “It’s only here that someone who had no money last week suddenly buys 10 cars or jets the following week, and his family celebrates with him,” he said.
In more developed nations, Ndume explained, people would question the source of sudden wealth. “They would ask how, when, and where the money came from, but the reverse is the case here,” he noted.
The Senator also shared his frustrations regarding failed attempts to pass a law addressing unexplained wealth in Nigeria. “I have made several efforts to pass a law on unexplained wealth, but it never materialized,” he said, adding that a former Head of State was approached to sign an Executive Bill on the issue but declined.
“Up until now, there is no law on unexplained wealth in Nigeria, and no Executive Order addressing it,” Ndume lamented.
The lawmaker also voiced concerns about the growing hunger in the country, urging for increased cultivation of food crops to alleviate the issue.
“There is hunger in the land, yet we have not cultivated up to five per cent of our arable land. Nigeria is blessed with vast fertile land,” he said.
He stressed that the nation’s abundant cultivable land could be effectively utilized to grow food and feed the population.
