Senator Ali Ndume of Borno South Senatorial District has raised concerns over the alleged purchase of leadership positions in the upcoming 10th National Assembly. In an interview with Channels Television on Sunday, Ndume alleged that kleptocrats and plutocrats are taking over the leadership of Nigeria, stating that “democracy is no longer there” as a result.
Ndume’s remarks come amidst intense politicking by many lawmakers-elect for leadership positions, ahead of the National Assembly’s inauguration in June. With the ruling, All Progressives Congress (APC) holding the majority in both the Senate and House of Representatives, the race for leadership positions has been a highly competitive and often controversial one.
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Ndume, who was previously the Senate Majority Leader, has been vocal in his criticism of the APC leadership and has been one of the few lawmakers to openly challenge the party’s decisions. He was removed as Senate Majority Leader in 2017, after publicly criticizing the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and his handling of the chamber’s affairs.
During the interview with Channels Television, Ndume alleged that the leadership positions in the National Assembly are being “bought” by kleptocrats and plutocrats. He further claimed that democracy is under threat in Nigeria and that the country is on the brink of losing its hard-won democratic gains.
Ndume’s remarks have been met with mixed reactions from Nigerians, with some applauding him for speaking truth to power, while others have dismissed his claims as unfounded and politically motivated. Many Nigerians are concerned about the increasing influence of money in politics, and the potential for corruption and abuse of power.
The APC leadership has yet to respond to Ndume’s allegations, but some party members have expressed concerns about the ongoing race for leadership positions. The party’s National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, has called for unity among APC members and has urged lawmakers elect to work together for the good of the party and the country.
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The 10th National Assembly is expected to be a crucial one, as Nigeria faces numerous economic and security challenges. Many Nigerians are looking to their elected representatives to provide strong and effective leadership and to work together to address the pressing issues facing the country.
As the race for leadership positions heats up, it remains to be seen whether Ndume’s allegations will be investigated, or whether they will have any impact on the outcome of the elections. With the stakes so high, and the competition so intense, Nigerians are watching closely to see how events unfold in the coming weeks and months.