The high rate of corruption cases in government offices is alarming and extremely disturbing. Nigeria is top among worst corrupt countries in the world, that a UK official described Nigeria as, ‘fantastically corrupt.’ It is so audacious, it has become a norm among government agencies and officials. But thismalicious and callous act of corrupt practices against the state and peoples by both the elected and appointed leaders may eventually destroy this country. Unless there is turn-around approach to anti-corruption fight by the state, this ship – country may possibly sink.
This present government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have not shown any direction on its quest to fight corruption. It is still business as usual. In fact, it has become more brazen and wicked in this government than it was in the last administration. There is serious trouble in Nigeria, the country is sinking. The political actors at the centre simply don’t know how to paddle the state out of the precipice. Very unfortunate!
Nigeria is blessed intellectually, economically and naturally, that all it requires is the right leadership to organize the country. When those elected or appointed major interest is to loot the treasury and, impoverish the already poor then, why would the state not hit the rock?How the country’s economy and people suffer the looting is not a worry to these state officials. What matters to them is their personal gains. How their individual dynasties survive today and tomorrow.
Nigeria cannot survive under this monumental corruption happening in its offices. The Federal Government of Nigeria and its security forces have failed the country in the fight against corruption. The PDP government was enmeshed in corruption between 1999 and 2015, Nigerians cried out and sought for redemption. Maj. Gen. (Rtd.) Muhammadu Buhari of the APC came on board as the President. A man reputed to be a no-nonsense apostle of anti-corruption caved in. Now, President Tinubu is on seat, how he intends to bring the corruption scale down or eliminate it leaves a lot to be imagined.
A popular civil rights activist and former NBA President, Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) erupted in anger few days ago on a television program, demanding from President Tinubu to ‘crush corruption’. There is no organized or serious effort in ensuring that this cankerworm is brought down. To them, it is ‘awa lo kan’ – it is our turn.’ Their turn to loot, their turn to rape the country, their turn to steal our resources, their turn to set the country backward. Nigeria is seriously in danger and on the brink of collapse if we continue in this circle.
The economy of the country is sinking. Something urgent need to be done to save it from imminent disaster. Several big companies are leaving the country while, the smaller ones are folding up. Some that are still in business have shrink in size. That, about 160 of the 170 textile industries in Nigeria are not alive should be a big concern to any government. A country where factories, industries and warehouses close down to allow churches to spring up is an example of a country in economic quagmire. When last year, immediately after coming to power, the president removed fuel subsidy that, was never in existence, to deliver only God knows relief measures to the people, we chuckled. Many thought there was hope in sight. Till date, there is nothing, rather the economy has worsened and caused more poverty and hardship for the people. The average Nigerian cannot meet the expectations of his family as current food prices and other essential items in the market have gone beyond citizen’s affordability.
Often, Nigerians are told to tighten their belts, to be patient with the government, that the last government battered the economy. Nigerians have always tightened their belts, they have had patient. They know the last government mismanaged the economy. So, you are in power, in authority, begin work to correct the wrongs. We are tired of rhetoric. The President’s economic team must move fast with a defined economic roadmap to organize the failed economy.
It is obvious there is no economic answer to redeem the botched Nigerian economy. Seven months into this administration, we are groaning. It is the Government at the Centre that are worsening the already nosedived economy. For instance, the NASS on its part last year, did not bother about the dying economy but sought for comfort by buying SUV worth N160m for each member. These elected representatives chose to mock suffering Nigerians. They televised insensitivity and wickedness on the people. They failed to identify with Nigerians at this hard times, they chose selfish interest and avarice above national interest. Nigerians have sunk further deep into poverty because of government official’s failure to take leadership seriously.
In a country where power (electricity) is a major challenge. How can the economy develop? There is no economy that can develop running on generators. It is simply not possible. The president must lay emphasis on tackling the electricity sector. It can be resolved. It is not any rocket science.
The state of insecurity everywhere is alarming. Crime has become ubiquitous in Nigeria. Banditry is a common thing. That, even the FCT, once described as the safest in the country has lost that definition. FCT with headquarters of all the security agencies yet, no coordinated effort to battle these criminals to surrender. The federal government have failed woefully to provide security for its citizens. They have lost their monopoly on violence. It is now scaringto stay at home, walk on the street,drive around, visit any recreational ground or stay late in Abuja. Armed bandits, kidnappers and the rest have taken over Abuja, kidnapping, maiming and killing citizens at will. There is no security force putting up resistance against these criminal gangs. No country develops or grows without security.
Pitifully, the Nigerian state is losing control. The number one responsibility of a government is to protect life and property. There is no coordinated effort by the Security Agencies to take the kidnappers and other criminal gangs off the streets. The perpetrators of these heinous crimes go scot free thereby emboldening others to come join. The Presidency, Inspector-General of Police and other Security Chiefs must braise upand secure the country. They should deploy every full force at their disposal to hunt down the bandits who are depriving Nigerians of their sleep. These boys cannot be more than the Nigerian security forces. It is just for the federal government to rise up to the challenge.
The security situation in the country today is not abovethese security commanders and troops. They can dislodge these hooligans in a matter of days. It only requires their determination and zeal, coordination and strategy to sweep off these rascally elements.Local and foreign investors want a secured place to do business. Nigeria is not safe at the moment. Tackling the security situation in the country would help return farmers back to their farms. It will bring and support investors to establish businesses here.
Uzodinma Nwaogbe
Umuahia.
