A recent video featuring Kano State's House of Representatives member, Aliyu Sani Madaki, has drawn widespread condemnation across Nigeria. Madaki, representing Dala Federal Constituency under the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), was captured in his living room, surrounded by stacks of cash, counting alongside two other individuals. The amount, estimated to exceed N500 million, has fueled a heated backlash at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with financial hardships.
With the country experiencing rising inflation and many banks limiting cash withdrawals to between N20,000 and N50,000, the video is seen as an insensitive flaunting of wealth by a public official. The display has sparked a wave of criticism on social media platforms, with many questioning how a lawmaker could access such a large sum in cash.
A Twitter user, @KelechiReal, voiced his frustration: "This is exactly why Nigeria is struggling. While people can’t afford to buy basic items, our leaders are sitting on mountains of cash. Who approved this withdrawal, and what is he doing with it?"
Similarly, @JideWrites tweeted, "The average Nigerian is queuing for hours at the bank, struggling to get cash, while those in power count millions like it’s pocket change. What a shameful disconnect between the leaders and the led."
On Facebook, Hafsat Yusuf expressed disappointment, saying, “These politicians are making a mockery of our struggles. This kind of display shows the gap between the ruling class and everyday Nigerians. When will this exploitation end?"
Another user, Dauda Ali, remarked, “If they can access this much cash while the rest of us are scraping to get by, something is seriously wrong. Who are they fooling? This isn’t governance; it’s daylight robbery.”
However, not everyone shared the same outrage. Musa Abubakar, a Facebook commenter, pointed out, “At least he’s not hiding the money like others do. It’s better to see where the wealth is going instead of it disappearing without a trace.”
A LinkedIn user, Amina Bala, noted, "This is a wake-up call. We need leaders who invest in real, tangible change—not those who parade their wealth in front of a struggling populace. Economic empowerment should be about creating jobs and opportunities, not occasional handouts."
One Instagram user, @Nkem2024, lamented the regional disparity and urged for unity: "It’s always the same cycle of corruption. Until Nigerians come together as one, irrespective of region or religion, this kind of behavior will never change."
The video has reignited discussions about the moral obligations of public officials and their responsibility toward the people they serve. With many citizens feeling the pressure of Nigeria’s current economic woes, incidents like this only deepen the distrust between the electorate and those in power. The controversy raises significant questions about transparency, accountability, and the equitable distribution of resources at a time when the nation can least afford to ignore them.
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