Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has expressed grave concern over the alarming rate of corruption in Nigeria, stating that the nation’s failure to address unexplained wealth is a significant problem.
During an interactive session with journalists in Kano on September 28, Ndume highlighted how Nigeria’s culture tends to celebrate individuals with sudden, unaccountable riches.
He emphasized, “It is only in this country that somebody had no money yesterday or last week, but the following week, he buys 10 cars, buys jets, and his family will celebrate with him.”
Ndume criticized the lack of laws to combat corruption and explained that attempts to pass an “Unexplained Wealth Act” have repeatedly failed.
He noted, “Up till now, we have no law that can proactively or reactively address the issue of corruption in the country.”
Furthermore, he revealed that a former Head of State declined to sign an executive bill aimed at addressing the issue.
While addressing Nigeria’s agricultural potential, the senator called for urgent efforts to tackle the food crisis by utilizing the country’s vast arable land.
He remarked, “There is hunger in the land, and up till now, we have not cultivated up to five percent of our land.”
Ndume’s statements have raised questions about leadership accountability and the country’s ability to enact real change amid the ongoing battle against corruption.