Thumbs Up To Ndume For Revealing That Kleptocrats, Kakistocrats Are In Power

BY ISAAC ASABOR

There is no denying that when an insider shares previously unknown information with outsiders, it becomes an invaluable source of knowledge, especially in the field of journalism.

The reasons for the foregoing are not farfetched, as an insider has a unique perspective having witnessed the inner workings of a system. His or her revelations can reveal hidden truths, dispel myths, and challenge dominant narratives. Whether it is a whistleblower exposing corporate malpractices, a former government official revealing classified data, or an artist revealing the creative process behind a masterpiece, these insights contribute to people’s overall understanding. An insider enables a journalist to make informed news reports, advocate for change, and hold institutions accountable by bridging the secrecy-transparency gap.

Furthermore, when an insider shares his or her knowledge, that insider helps to ensure a more equitable distribution of information. In terms of access to exclusive details, whether about political manoeuvrings, scientific breakthroughs, or cultural nuances, insider information usually evens the playing field. It empowers outsiders, particularly journalists, by allowing them to actively participate in discussions, shape policies, engage in critical discourse, and even write insightful news stories. In a world full of misinformation and fake news, insider revelations serve as beacons of truth, guiding journalists towards a more enlightened and just society.

Given the foregoing, it is not a stretch to applaud Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, who bravely emerged from the shadows recently and enriched the collective wisdom of Journalists with his firsthand accounts of the putrid nature of the inanities he has been witnessing in the National Assembly, and who knows whether he also participated in the inanities. After all, an African proverb states, “Only God knows the witch who pleaded in the coven that her colleagues spare the life of her relative whose name came up for elimination.” Only God knows whether Ndume has been speaking on behalf of the good people of Nigeria, and what has tied his mouth since 2011, when he became a lawmaker.

He is unquestionably an insider in Nigeria’s national assembly, given his extensive political background. For example, Ndume was a member of the House of Representatives from 2003 to 2011, representing the Chibok / Damboa / Gwoza Federal Constituency. During this time, he was a member of the All Nigeria Peoples Party.

Ndume has served in the Nigerian Senate since 2011, representing the Borno South senatorial district. He is a current member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He has held significant leadership positions in the Senate, including Senate Majority Leader from June 2015 to January 2017 and Senate Majority Whip from July 2023 to July 2024. So, given his background as a lawmaker since 2011, which amounts to approximately 13 years of national service in the house, there is no denying that his views on politics, particularly those concerning the current administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, carry weight, even if it is unarguable that his words about Nigerian politics have significant elements of believability.

Given the preceding context, the title of this article, “Thumbs up for Ndume for informing Nigerians that Kleptocrats and Kakistocrats are in And,” is undeniably appropriate.

The headline is entirely appropriate, as he recently sent shockwaves through the political landscape by revealing the true nature of our government. His candid remarks have revealed a disturbing reality: our country is led by a toxic mix of kleptocrats and kakistocrats.

In this context, kleptocrats are the masters of embezzlement and financial malfeasance. They thrive on corruption, using public funds for personal gain. Their insatiable desire for wealth knows no bounds, leaving a path of economic devastation in their wake. While ordinary citizens struggle to make ends meet, kleptocrats live in luxury, their ill-gotten gains hidden behind a web of secrecy.

Then there are the kakistocrats, those bumbling, inept leaders who keep making mistakes. Their incompetence is staggering, yet they hold onto power, their decisions wreaking havoc on our country. Whether it is mismanagement of critical infrastructure, flawed policies, or outright ignorance, kakistocrats make us wonder how they ever rose to positions of power.

Senator Ndume’s bold statement has sparked a firestorm of debate. He said it plainly: our government breeds both kleptocrats and kakistocrats. His frustration is palpable, and his call for accountability strikes a chord with a weary public. So, what does this mean for Nigeria?

Consumers bear the brunt of this toxic combination. Inflation has spiralled out of control, reducing purchasing power. BNecessitiesbecome unaffordable, and essential services fail due to mismanagement. The average Nigerian struggles to survive caught between kleptocracy and kakistocracy.

At this point, it is prudent to believe that as citizens, we must advocate for a better and more livable Nigeria. We need leaders who prioritise the well-being of the people over personal gain. Transparency, accountability, and competence should be the foundation of governance. Our path forward is through peaceful dialogue, not protests or violence.

In conclusion, Ndume’s revelation is a wake-up call. We must face the kleptocrats and kakistocrats head-on and reclaim our country from their grip. Only then can we create a Nigeria that values integrity, competence, and prosperity.