The Chief Whip of the Senate, Ali Ndume, has accused some officials within the Presidency of demanding bribes from individuals, including senior government officials, who seek access to President Bola Tinubu.
Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, made the allegation during an interview on Arise News Channel on Wednesday, November 5, expressing frustration over what he described as a corrupt and exclusionary system surrounding the President.
The Senator claimed that only a select few have direct, unhindered access to Tinubu, while others are forced to go 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.
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“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 comments come amid rising concerns over a growing disconnect between the Presidency and key stakeholders, including legislators and state officials.
The Senate Chief Whip revealed that despite following official procedures, his efforts to meet the President were consistently blocked. He cited “bureaucratic bottlenecks” and deliberate obstruction by presidential aides.
“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.”
