Senator Ali Ndume, the representative for Borno South, stated that his primary motivation for entering politics was to serve the public rather than accumulate personal wealth. According to Punch, the former Senate Leader made these remarks on Monday while receiving a delegation from the Shani community in Borno State. The visit was organized to express gratitude for Ndume’s legislative efforts to attract development projects to the area.
The community’s chairman, Musa Lubo, led the delegation at the instance of the Emir of Shani. Lubo explained that the visit aimed to appreciate the senator for bringing federal infrastructure and educational opportunities to the locality. The community specifically highlighted a bill seeking to establish a Federal College of Agriculture in Shani, which has already passed its third reading in the Senate. To complete the legislative process, the bill now requires concurrence from the House of Representatives before being transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent. Lubo noted that the community plans to engage its House of Representatives member to secure the necessary support for the bill.
Beyond the proposed college, the delegation commended Ndume for securing presidential approval for erosion-control projects estimated at N66 billion across Southern Borno. Ndume described gully erosion as a significant challenge for the region and stated that the proposals have reached the final stage of the approval process. He indicated that a separate N6 billion project is earmarked for the Aguza area, with the broader intervention covering several local government areas.
During the meeting, Ndume cautioned other politicians against using young people merely to advance their personal interests. He urged greater discipline and accountability among those holding elective offices. In return, the Shani community pledged its support for Ndume’s re-election, though Lubo noted that other aspirants were not barred from contesting. The community expressed its preference clearly, stating that its next expectation after making its political position known was the delivery of promised development.