Nigerian democracy is over 16 years old at the moment. However, it is
saddening to note that we still grapple with the problems of political
instability, poor infrastructural development, poor educational
institution, epileptic power supply, and a viable corruption cankerworm
that has eaten deep into the fabrics of our National system—just to
mention but a few.
It is true that there was also widespread corruption between 1999 and 2007 when Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo (retd) held sway as Nigeria’s president. However, at least there were functioning anti-graft agencies such as ICPC and EFCC running after corrupt government officials. Although it was rumored in some quarters that, the then President used the anti-graft to chase his anti-third term bid opponents. Whether or not the public officials arrested under Obasanjo were actually guilty is actually a topic for another day.
It is a shame indeed! If there is anything to weep for, it is the ineptitude in leadership. Unfortunately, Nigeria is not alone in the cobweb of corruption. Ineptitude leadership cuts across all the various African countries. However, ours seems to be more loudly announced, probably because “all eyes are on the giant of Africa”. Various Nigeria Newspapers online and offline showed it!
The last democratic dispensation under former President Goodluck Jonathan did a lot to put the country back on the list of the most corrupt nations in the world. Through various actions and inactions, Nigeria was once again an epitome of “how has the mighty fallen.”
Judging by his soft smile and mien, Jonathan was a good man who wouldn’t trouble still waters. However, some of his calm nature left too much to be desired of a sitting president. In the period when stealing was not corruption, billions of Naira suddenly developed wings and flew out of our treasury, Nigeria was caught up in arms scandal deal, Boko Haram blossomed, to mention a few. Nigeria lost her respect in the comity of nations!
Nevertheless, Jonathan’s kind act of “submission to the will of Nigerians” should be thanked for not calling for war when he lost to his main contender, Muhammadu Bhari, in the last 2015 election.
Now that we have chosen a new President who seems more passionate about Nigeria and Nigerians, we still have more work on our hands. If Nigeria is to move away from the dark past and forge ahead into the bright future where brilliant opportunities abound, then all hands must be on deck to make sure we not only choose leaders, but also make them very accountable.
There should be revolution in our way of life. Corruption should no longer be a usual phenomenon; no it must be seen by all as evil and condemned in all quarters.
People should raise an eye brow and ask pertinent questions when there is an attempt to squander our collective wealth. We must make our leaders accountable to us because they are there to represent us, and as such the constitution makes them answerable to us. Leadership should be seen as a means to serve the people, not a personal effort to accumulate wealth.
Finally, we as Nigerians are the best people to move this country forward, not the United States or any other country for that matter. The fight against corruption must begin from within us. Do not give or take bribe—both the giver and taker are guilty under the law. If we find a true leader in any stratum of governance, be it at local, state or federal level, we should rally round and give him the maximum support. Where a leader strays from the path of accountable, people-oriented governance, the electorates have a right to call such leader to order without fear. Freedom of speech is part of true tenets of democracy. Let's use it wisely. God bless Nigeria!
It is true that there was also widespread corruption between 1999 and 2007 when Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo (retd) held sway as Nigeria’s president. However, at least there were functioning anti-graft agencies such as ICPC and EFCC running after corrupt government officials. Although it was rumored in some quarters that, the then President used the anti-graft to chase his anti-third term bid opponents. Whether or not the public officials arrested under Obasanjo were actually guilty is actually a topic for another day.
It is a shame indeed! If there is anything to weep for, it is the ineptitude in leadership. Unfortunately, Nigeria is not alone in the cobweb of corruption. Ineptitude leadership cuts across all the various African countries. However, ours seems to be more loudly announced, probably because “all eyes are on the giant of Africa”. Various Nigeria Newspapers online and offline showed it!
The last democratic dispensation under former President Goodluck Jonathan did a lot to put the country back on the list of the most corrupt nations in the world. Through various actions and inactions, Nigeria was once again an epitome of “how has the mighty fallen.”
Judging by his soft smile and mien, Jonathan was a good man who wouldn’t trouble still waters. However, some of his calm nature left too much to be desired of a sitting president. In the period when stealing was not corruption, billions of Naira suddenly developed wings and flew out of our treasury, Nigeria was caught up in arms scandal deal, Boko Haram blossomed, to mention a few. Nigeria lost her respect in the comity of nations!
Nevertheless, Jonathan’s kind act of “submission to the will of Nigerians” should be thanked for not calling for war when he lost to his main contender, Muhammadu Bhari, in the last 2015 election.
Now that we have chosen a new President who seems more passionate about Nigeria and Nigerians, we still have more work on our hands. If Nigeria is to move away from the dark past and forge ahead into the bright future where brilliant opportunities abound, then all hands must be on deck to make sure we not only choose leaders, but also make them very accountable.
There should be revolution in our way of life. Corruption should no longer be a usual phenomenon; no it must be seen by all as evil and condemned in all quarters.
People should raise an eye brow and ask pertinent questions when there is an attempt to squander our collective wealth. We must make our leaders accountable to us because they are there to represent us, and as such the constitution makes them answerable to us. Leadership should be seen as a means to serve the people, not a personal effort to accumulate wealth.
Finally, we as Nigerians are the best people to move this country forward, not the United States or any other country for that matter. The fight against corruption must begin from within us. Do not give or take bribe—both the giver and taker are guilty under the law. If we find a true leader in any stratum of governance, be it at local, state or federal level, we should rally round and give him the maximum support. Where a leader strays from the path of accountable, people-oriented governance, the electorates have a right to call such leader to order without fear. Freedom of speech is part of true tenets of democracy. Let's use it wisely. God bless Nigeria!
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