Sheikh Bashir Aliyu Umar has accused government officials of stealing public funds and investing the money in real estate, linking the alleged practice to rising house prices across Nigeria.
“If you look carefully at Nigeria today, you will realise that government officials have stolen so much money that they no longer know where to keep it. That is why they have now turned to investing in real estate, which is one of the reasons houses have become so expensive across the country. It is time to vote them out.”
Umar said alleged corruption among government officials was contributing to the rising cost of housing, arguing that some officials had turned to real estate to invest money they had stolen.
He linked such investments to the growing difficulty many Nigerians face in buying homes, as property prices continue to put pressure on households seeking affordable accommodation.
The cleric also called on Nigerians to vote out the leaders they believe are responsible, urging citizens to use their votes to hold public officials accountable.
His remarks raise concerns about corruption, the use of public funds and the affordability of housing in Nigeria. However, the extent to which illicit wealth invested in real estate contributes to rising property prices would require further evidence, as housing costs are also affected by land prices, building materials, inflation, demand and supply.
Umar’s message puts political accountability at the centre of the housing debate, calling on Nigerians to consider the conduct of public officials when making their choices at the ballot box.
