ABUJA, Nigeria – The Senator representing Borno South District in the 10th National Assembly, Ali Ndume, has shared that his first wife’s role as a high court judge often subjects him to pressure from friends.
The senator mentioned this during his appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Tuesday, June 13, 2023.
“My wife is a high court judge, my first wife. And when people know that your wife is a judge, especially your friends, they will put pressure on you,” he stated.
Ndume highlighted the significance of strength of character in resisting these pressures, saying, “We are all humans, it depends on how strong you are to stand against this kind of thing.”
The senator, however, did not elaborate on the nature of the pressure he encounters due to his wife’s occupation. His comments have sparked conversations about the influence and expectations placed on public figures and their spouses.
Ali Ndume Says Money, Not Competence, Determines Senate Presidency in Nigeria
Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South (APC), has voiced his concerns over monetising the Senate President position in Nigeria, stating that money has become the primary factor in determining the leadership of the Upper Legislative Chamber.
Ndume expressed his belief that with his experience in the Nigerian Parliament, he could have become the Senate President if he had the financial means to secure the position.
In an interview with the BBC Hausa Service monitored by The Trent on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, Ndume lamented the sidelining of integrity and competence in the selection process.
“There is nothing like considering competence. Everything was monetised. Even those who knew nothing about the legislative procedures, simply because they have money, they are now in the hot pursuit for the position of Senate President,” Ndume alleged.
He further bemoaned the current state of the system, where lawmakers who can afford to buy their way into leadership positions can easily secure the top spot in the Upper Legislative Chamber, regardless of their knowledge or abilities.
Ndume’s comments highlight the need for reforms in the Nigerian Senate to ensure that competence and experience take precedence over financial influence when selecting leadership positions.
The current state of affairs, as described by Ndume, threatens to undermine the efficacy and integrity of the Nigerian legislative process.
