Senate Presidency: “The only qualification that they are displaying is the amount of money that they tell Senators-elect that they can give them”- Senator Ndume

Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has shed light on the financial transactions among Senate President aspirants and senators-elect.

As one of the long-serving members of the Senate, Ndume revealed that some aspirants are openly boasting about their ability to distribute substantial sums of money, up to $200,000, to fellow senators-elect in an attempt to secure their votes.

During an interview on Arise TV, Ndume addressed the issue of monetary inducements being offered to senators-elect ahead of the 10th Senate leadership election.

He expressed his disappointment at the emphasis placed on money by other candidates, suggesting that their primary qualification for the position is the amount of money they claim they can provide.

While discussing the figures being mentioned, Ndume clarified that no one has approached him with such offers.

Regrettably, Ndume highlighted the unfortunate reality of candidates boasting about their intention to distribute up to $200,000 to each senator, creating an environment where financial considerations seem to overshadow other important qualifications.

“I’ve said it several times that the unfortunate thing that is happening is that the other candidates are talking about money.

“The only qualification that they are displaying is the amount of money that they tell Senators-elect that they can give them.

“People are talking about figures, but nobody has approached me. Some are talking about 10, 20, 30, 40 and even more than that.

“Some are even boasting that they will give every Senator up to $200,000. Figures are flying. That is the truth. That is honestly very unfortunate,” he said.