The Chief Whip of the Senate, Ali Ndume, has made a startling allegation that some officials working around President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa demand bribes before granting access to the President.
Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, made the revelation during an interview on Arise Television, while reacting to the ongoing diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and the United States.
According to the senator, even senior government officials and lawmakers now find it almost impossible to meet with the President without going through intermediaries who allegedly demand money.
“I don’t have a chance to see the President. The only time I can see him is when he’s going to an event,” Ndume said.
“This is how they run the government. I’m telling you, they don’t have people there. The government is dominated by kakistocrats. If you want to see the President, they will ask you how much.”
READ ALSO: Only In Nigeria You Steal Money, Walk Freely And Be Celebrated – Ndume
The term kakistocrats, which Ndume used, refers to a government run by the least qualified or most corrupt individuals.
The outspoken lawmaker lamented that he had repeatedly tried to reach the President through official channels to discuss critical financial matters, but was blocked by bureaucratic bottlenecks allegedly created by presidential aides.
“I wrote to them that I wanted to see the President to discuss some financial issues, but they were playing games as if they want you to go to heaven,” he added.