Senator Ali Ndume, the Chief Whip of the Senate, has sparked a crucial conversation about corruption in Nigeria, highlighting the significant role individuals play in perpetuating this menace. In a recent statement, Ndume distinguished between corruption involving politicians and individuals, suggesting that the former is often driven by people’s involvement.
According to Ndume, politicians do engage in corruption, but they also share their ill-gotten wealth with the public. This phenomenon, he argues, reduces the severity of corruption. He stated, “Our corruption is people-driven. If you steal, you will go and share it with the people. If you don’t, you are not coming back for four years. There is no reason for stealing.”
The senator expressed support for the death penalty as a deterrent for corruption, but only in cases involving massive embezzlement of government funds. He emphasized that those caught with smaller amounts should not face capital punishment. Ndume also advocated for the death penalty for drug offenders, citing the devastating impact of drugs on many lives.
Ndume’s remarks have sparked a necessary conversation about the complexities of corruption in Nigeria. By acknowledging the people’s complicity in corruption, we can begin to address the root causes of this issue and work towards a more just and equitable society.
LV