Ndume: Buhari should sign the Unexplained Wealth Order because civil servants are marrying multiple wives

President Mohammadu Buhari has been urged to sign or issue an Unexplained Wealth Order to strengthen the anti-corruption fight, according to Li Ndume, who claims that corrupt politicians and civil servants are known for marrying multiple wives and buying expensive cars.

Mr Ndume made the statement on Saturday in Ibadan, while speaking at the University of Ibadan’s 2021 Distinguish Leadership Lecture Series.

The lecture, titled “The Unexplained Wealth and the Fight Against Corruption in Nigeria,” took place in the university’s Trenchard Hall.

The senator also urged President Buhari to persuade the National Assembly to pass the Proceeds of Crime Bill in a timely manner, “regardless of partisan bickering over the management of the proceeds recovered.”

“Our crusade against this monster (corruption) should begin with politicians, top government officials, civil servants, and local government employees,” he said. “It is not difficult for the perpetrators to identify these officers’ tendencies, such as acquiring landed properties both inside and outside the country, having large bank deposits, buying expensive cars, or marrying so many wives.”

Mr Ndume went on to say that Mr Buhari’s administration must go even further to protect whistleblowers, calling for a review of the whistleblower policy that emphasizes patriotism rather than monetary rewards.

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Whistleblowers, he says, must be active at all levels, including local levels, and they must not be scared, but must be protected by law at all costs.

He urged anti-corruption agencies such as the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to treat whistleblowers with respect.

Whistleblowers who spread false information, on the other hand, should be prosecuted, according to the lawmaker.

He also stated that the Code of Conduct Bureau must request that all public officials declare their assets and have their claims verified on a regular basis.

The lawmaker also tasked the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and other relevant agencies with ramping up anti-corruption awareness.