The War Against Corruption

Corruption War In fighting corruption or being on the fair side of court judgment, there must first be a level playing field for such to happen. Nigeria as it stands is not a unanimous federation. Many regions are still not willing to recognize they are Nigerians. There is an on-going battle between the divides and this battle result to major corruption especially by past presidents right from the military era, which is the attitude of saving for the raining days in case Nigeria breaks up. To create that level playing field, there has to first be a referendum just like the one conducted in Britain by the 3 and 1 states. Whoever wins between one Nigeria and the other groups shows the readiness for patriotism.

From the lens of in-depth observation and experiences, some billions of dollars were kept in places by some of our past leaders right from the military era till date. These moneys were not stolen but kept in case Nigeria breaks up. This is why former president Goodluck's Administration came up with an investigation that over $400 billion was unaccounted for between 1966 to 2002.

Moreso, the over 80% oil blocks that were issued to citizens from one particular region as one of the major reasons why some presidents of Nigeria leave their main jobs to become petroleum minister, just to protect certain interest, must also be ironed out by Economic Financial Crime Commission whether there was an open bidding or that such meet the federal character law as enshrined in the constitution. The militants have done damages to the pipelines feeding the country, because of this injustice of the past that left the region unattended except a 13% derivation that was given after much battle.

Unfortunately, human rights fight in this world is more of hypocrisy. Corruption cannot be fought in a country like Nigeria where there is an interest revolving along major divides. Fighting corruption and indicting some persons especially Goodluck Jonathan's administration alone is as good as nothing but mere politics of character assassination.

Lastly like I have written before, fighting corruption is not the business of politicians but security agents making use of the law and the court to investigate, prosecute and judge whoever is guilty before concluding whether the suspects actually did what he is accused of. If not, that amounts to defamation of character which is also a crime. If politicians are fighting corruption, there will be nobody to fight or accused as corrupt, because politicians are in the custody of public funds.

Allow the law enforcement agency and the EFCC to be independent in the war on corruption just as the electoral body that brought this administration to office was allowed to be independent. The president should not appoint a police Inspector General or the Economic Financial Crime Commission, let them do it on their own by election just as FIFA, FA conducts its election and yet an achieved president was still prosecuted. If you appoint a Police and EFCC leader, the independence of such group in discharging their functions will automatically be altered. In many countries, prime ministers or presidents don't appoint a police or anti-graft leader, because everybody is under the supreme law of the land especially where various interests exists. Legislation in this regard is necessary.

The reason why huge amounts were moved in billions of dollars from Nigeria, was because there was no well equipped independent security body to investigate, prosecute and arrest suspects before they clear the bush. Stop playing politics with corruption fight, prevention is always better than cure. No one should be immune to the law in a democratic state that really has genuine principles of a democratic state.

The leaders or the president will no longer be under much pressure of criticism by the masses regarding corruption, but will learn to hold the law enforcement agencies accountable. Politicians at local levels will also not depend on protection from godfathers should they be indicted.

If trillions of barrels of crude oil are stolen, the Navy and the office of of special duty should be questioned, not the minister of other sectors unconnected with such department of government. This is because job specification is different to different people in that sector, all for the sake of solving a problem. This is why our call assignment is solution, not position. Being in a position doesn't solve a problem unless the assignment of solution is identified and carried out. Some of the huge money used to politic and campaign are stolen and donated by those who have been in key government position. Stop playing unnecessary politics with the law and its hollowed duties.