Ali Ndume has called on President Mohammadu Buhari to urgently sign or issue an Unexplained Wealth Order to strengthen the anti-corruption fight, stating that corrupt politicians and civil servants are known for marrying many wives and buying expensive cars.

Mr Ndume made the call on Saturday in Ibadan while delivering the 2021 Distinguish Leadership Lecture Series, organised by the University of Ibadan.

The lecture titled ‘The Unexplained Wealth and the Fight Against Corruption in Nigeria’, was held at the Trenchard Hall of the university.

The senator also urged Mr Buhari to prevail on the national assembly to pass the Proceeds of Crime Bill in time “regardless of bickering on the management of the proceeds recovered.”

“Our crusade against this monster (corruption) should start from politicians, top public servants, civil servants down to local governments’ staff,” he noted. “For the perpetrators, it is not difficult to identify the tendencies exhibited by these officers; acquiring landed properties in and outside the country, having fat bank deposits, buying expensive cars, or marrying so many wives.”

Mr Ndume further explained that Mr Buhari’s regime must go a step further to protect whistleblowers, calling for a review of the whistleblower policy focusing on patriotism and not just financial rewards.

According to him, the whistleblowers must be active at all levels, including local areas, adding that the blowers must not be scared but be protected by law at whatever cost.

He called on relevant anti-corruption agencies such as Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to take whistleblowers seriously.

The lawmaker, however, said whistleblowers spreading falsehood should be prosecuted.

He also stated that the Code of Conduct Bureau must request every public officer to declare assets and verify the claims periodically.

The lawmaker also charged the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and other relevant agencies to embark on vigorous sensitisation against corruption.

(NAN)