The Chief Whip of the Senate, Ali Ndume, has made allegations that some officials within the Presidential Villa were demanding bribes from individuals, including senior government functionaries, seeking access to President Bola Tinubu.

Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District of Borno State, made the claims during an interview on Arise News Channel on Wednesday, expressing frustration over what he described as a corrupt and exclusionary system around the President.

According to the lawmaker, only a select few individuals have direct access to the President, while others were forced to go through intermediaries who allegedly demand payments.

“I don’t have access to the President. The only time I see him is when he’s attending an event,” Ndume lamented. “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 remarks came amid rising concerns over the growing disconnect between the Presidency and key stakeholders, including lawmakers and other state officials.

The Senate Chief Whip revealed that his attempts to reach the President through official means had repeatedly been frustrated by bureaucratic bottlenecks and aides who deliberately blocked communication.

“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.”

As of press time, no official statement has been issued from the Presidential Villa regarding Ndume’s allegations. (LEADERSHIP, but headline rejigged)