Senator Ali Ndume tells Nigerians to accept responsibility for leadership

Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has stated that Nigerian citizens bear responsibility for the country’s leadership and governance challenges. Speaking at a book presentation in Abuja regarding the tenure of former Army Chief Tukur Buratai, Ndume argued that politicians are products of the society and the electorate from which they emerge.

Ndume was responding to criticisms made by the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, concerning the political class and the impact of ethnicity and religion on national security and governance. Ndume contended that because democracy is “the government of the people, for the people, and by the people,” the electorate cannot completely absolve itself of blame.

Furthermore, the senator addressed electoral malpractice, suggesting that citizens are often participants in the very processes they later condemn. He noted that even in instances of rigging, it is the people who facilitate the entry of certain politicians into office, stating, “If you put us here, we are doing your bidding.” He urged Nigerians to take greater responsibility by examining the candidates they support and the political parties they join.