The Chief Whip of the Senate, Ali Ndume, has alleged that certain officials within the Presidential Villa are demanding bribes from individuals, including senior government functionaries, who seek access to President Bola Tinubu.
During an interview on Arise News Channel, Ndume expressed frustration over what he described as a corrupt and exclusionary system surrounding the President. He stated that only a select few have direct access to Tinubu, while others are required to navigate through intermediaries who allegedly request payments.
“I don’t have access to the President. The only time I see him is when he’s attending an event,” Ndume lamented. He criticized the government’s operation, calling it dominated by “kakistocrats,” or those who are least qualified or most corrupt. He further noted that attempts to reach the President through official channels have been thwarted by bureaucratic obstacles and aides who block communication.
Ndume shared that he had written to request a meeting with the President to discuss financial matters, but faced delays and unresponsiveness, describing the situation as “frustrating and embarrassing.”
As of now, no official statement has been issued from the Presidential Villa regarding these allegations.
