Officials in Aso Rock demanding for money to see the President – Senator makes allegations
Officials in Aso Rock demanding for money to see the President – Senator makes allegations
Senator Ali Ndume, has alleged that some officials within the Presidency were demanding bribes from individuals, including senior government officials, seeking to see President Bola Tinubu.
Ndume, a lawmaker who represents Borno South Senatorial District of Borno State, made the allegation during an interview on Arise News Channel on Wednesday, November 05 expressing frustration over what he described as a corrupt and exclusionary system around the President.
The Senator claimed that, only a selected few individuals have direct, undistrupted access to the President, while others were forced to go through third parties who allegedly demand payments.
“I don’t have access to the President. The only time I see him is when he’s attending an event,” Ndume lamented.
“That’s how they run the government. It’s dominated by kakistocrats, people who are the least qualified or most corrupt. If you want to see the President, they’ll ask you how much you’re willing to pay.”
Ndume’s harsh critique regarding his inability to meet the President comes amidst escalating concerns over a “growing disconnect” between the Presidency and vital stakeholders, including members of the legislature and other state officials.
The Senate Chief Whip disclosed that despite using official channels, his attempts to reach the President were consistently thwarted. He specifically cited “bureaucratic bottlenecks” and an active obstruction by presidential aides who, he alleged, were deliberately blocking communication and access.
“I wrote to them, requesting a meeting with the President to discuss some financial matters, but they kept playing games as if they want you to go to heaven first,” he said, describing the experience as “frustrating and embarrassing.”
