It’s Only In Nigeria That You Steal Money and Walk Freely – Ndume

• Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume expressed concerns over Nigeria’s culture of celebrating corruption, emphasizing the lack of effective laws to combat it
• Ndume criticized society for glorifying politicians who steal public funds and called for legislation to address unexplained wealth in Nigeria

Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South in the National Assembly, has expressed deep concerns about the pervasive corruption in Nigeria, stating that the country has a culture of celebrating corrupt individuals. Ndume shared his views during a press briefing in Kano on Sunday, according to reports from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Ndume lamented the lack of effective laws to combat corruption in Nigeria, noting that politicians who steal public funds are often glorified by the society.

“Our major challenge in this country is corruption. Until now, we have no law that can proactively or reactively address the country’s corruption issue,” he said. “If you see somebody in our system, especially in politics or government, who is not corrupt, then he is lucky to be God-fearing. Otherwise, it is only in Nigeria that you steal money, walk freely, and you are celebrated.”

He criticized the culture of praising people who amass sudden wealth without explanation. “If you come into an area like this, people would start lobbying you and prostrate before you even when they know the money was stolen. 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, mother, and uncle would fly with him, and they would say, ‘Allah has blessed our son.'”

Ndume revealed that he had made numerous attempts to pass legislation addressing unexplained wealth, but his efforts were unsuccessful. He also mentioned that he approached a former head of state to sign an executive bill, but the proposal was declined.

“Up till now, there is no law on unexplained wealth in Nigeria, and there is no Executive Order on it,” Ndume said.

In addition to his remarks on corruption, the senator raised concerns about the country’s food insecurity and emphasized the need for increased agricultural activities. “There is hunger in the land, and up till now, we have not cultivated up to five percent of our land. Nigeria is blessed with massive arable land,” he added.

Ndume’s comments come as Nigeria continues to grapple with widespread corruption despite various government efforts to tackle the issue.