Lawmaker representing Borno South, Senator Ali Ndume, has shared his thoughts on the numerous corruption allegations in the country.

During an interview in Kano on Sunday, September 29, 2024, Ndume highlighted corruption as Nigeria’s major problem.

He pointed out that Nigeria lack laws to proactively address corruption issues. Unlike in foreign countries where people’s wealth is questioned, in Nigeria, individuals are often praised for flaunting their ill-gotten wealth.

Ndume lamented that instead of investigating and prosecuting corrupt persons, including public officials, they are allowed to walk freely.

“Our major challenge in this country is corruption. Up till now, we have no law that can proactively or even reactively address the issue of corruption in the country.

In developed nations, people question the source of one’s wealth, but in Nigeria, you are venerated for flaunting ill-gotten wealth.

If you see somebody in our system, especially in politics or government, and he is not corrupt, then he is lucky that he is God-fearing. Otherwise, it is only in Nigeria that you steal money and you walk freely, and then you are celebrated.

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 brothers would fly with him, his mother would fly with him, his uncle would fly with him, and they would say Allah has blessed our son,” Senator Ndume said.

Ndume also recounted his efforts to pass a law addressing un explained wealth in Nigeria. He mentioned that he had previously asked a former president to sign an executive bill, but the request was refused.

“To this day, there is no Unexplained Wealth Act in Nigeria, and no Executive Order addressing it,” Ndume said.