Corruption: What signals are we sending?

This piece got its life from the well articulated article of Chimeziri Franklin titled “Rochas political brand, damaged at IMSU” published in The Guardian, November 6, 2016. The article revolves around the frustration and predicaments of IMSU students borne from corrupt elements in the university system. It is important to note that the picture of corruption Franklin painted in the Institution is no doubt very pathetic. But, that is what we see every day in the larger polity called Nigeria. Perhaps, that was why President Muhammadu Buhari during his election campaign promised zero tolerance on corruption.

May he find the strength, courage and support to fight the monster.

To be able to fight corruption we must put aside all the sentiments, politics and propaganda that always characterise our way of life when government tends to bring officials alleged to be corrupt to book. Besides, the government should change from the old habit, tradition and manner they chose to fight corruption as it usually tilts towards those in the opposition. Even in the event of probe with regards to those caught in the web of the EFCC or any anti-graft agencies for an alleged corruption case, the rich and wealthy ones are treated with kid gloves and pampered. Sometimes the case could last longer than expected or may go on for eternity taking a twist and turn. It may end as debacle.

There is no gainsaying that corruption has spread its tentacles in the fabric of the nation. It is disheartening to learn that corruption is fueled by the way persons accused of being corrupt are treated. Often they are left off the hook with little or no charges. A case in point is the plea bargain and breast pocket fine on former Edo State governor Lucky Igbinedion. Also, it is disturbing to learn from a recent newspaper reports that, those who smuggled scandalous items popularly known as “budget padding” into the 2016 budget which caused the country national and international embarrassments are back to work without being punished! At the heat of commotion Mr. President did say they would never go unpunished so as to serve as deterrent in the future. If I may ask: What was their punishment sir?

Over the years, if you investigate and peruse the ‘blind’ list, you will be astonished to find an intimidating number of cases and persons involved in financial crimes, many of whom after the initial drama were left off the hook. This is very sad even as it seems to suggest that corruption is made attractive and lucrative in Nigeria. To many of us who watch these prosecutions of alleged corrupt people, it is like taking a chieftaincy title and welcoming corrupt people to the “thieves club”. Therefore, one may not be wrong to say that corruption gave birth to the first military coup in the country as Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu rightly pointed out in his broadcast that “…Our enemies are the political profiteers, the swindlers, the men in high and low places that seek bribes and demand 10 per cent…” Indeed, nothing about corruption can be said to be “petty stealing” as former President Goodluck Jonathan chose to refer to small “thieves”. What a shame to hear such from a President on a national television. To be candid, is there anything like petty stealing? Corruption is corruption period.

Indeed this is not trying to open-up old wounds. A recent past, there have been reactions and counter reactions about the way and manner the Buhari administration is carrying out its anti corruption crusade. Whatever positions these reactions may take, it is important for us to compel ourselves to ask some pertinent questions: What does corruption mean to us? Does it mean being “smart” like Donald Trump who has evaded taxes all his business life? Or does it mean, in relation to the popular saying of having a share of the “national cake”? Therefore, public funds at your disposal to provide basic health facilities or to build roads among others must be embezzled? One thing is certain that, nothing about corruption can be twisted or embellished to make it acceptable in the eyes of the public. Instead, it will continue to exacerbate public anger and demand for government to do something about it.

It is sickening to see some Nigerians pitching tent with corrupt people when under probe in cases that a layman will tell you is a bad one or dead on arrival in the law court. One of the unfortunate aspects of a corrupt nation is that the stench goes with everyone whether you are corrupt or not. Every Nigerian suffers from the furnace caused by corruption even if by mere listening to someone’s horrendous tales on a journey through one of the nation highways riddled with potholes not fixed because of graft. Or that a relation had died in an hospital due to non availability of drugs that the government had paid for but cornered by corrupt people. A peep into the internally displaced peoples’ (IDP) camp will give you the picture I am trying to paint. Again, Buhari has promised to bring those corrupt people enriching themselves from the misery of the IDP to book. Indeed, we are all affected one way or the other by the corrupt and sharp practices of some dubious Nigerians especially in the political class.

It is very sad to say that, the signals from corruption and especially the way corrupt people are treated “nicely” has led many of our young brilliant youth to indulge in nefarious activities. Many have deviated and escorted themselves into the arena of corruption in search of quick money through dubious means: “yahoo yahoo”, kidnapping, cult activities name it. The Buhari administration should keep faith with his zero tolerance fight on corruption and other vices in the society to control the spate of corrupt activities in the country. More important, he should be determined to weed out corrupt people in his administration before corruption ruins us.

As the Buhari administration fights corruption, it should know that corruption must fight back just as it fought back in 1985. According to Buhari, in a recent newspaper report who said: “I was removed as Military head of State by some corrupt senior military officers who were opposed to the corruption crusade in the military”. Also, Buhari government should consider that corruption does not occur without symptoms therefore, it is important to identify such loopholes and block them. And like Franklin noted, ”Rochas has done so well as governor until lately.

Will he allow his name to continue to be sullied at a University from which people are moving to every part of Nigeria? Will he not take steps to restore his political base?..” So also, we know Buhari, to be upright and incorruptible from his days as Chairman of Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) and as military Head of State. Therefore, the best way to do things and the best thing to do for the nation is not to allow corrupt people in his government and in the society tarnish his good image and drag his name in the mud. He should do away with them and stop the bad signals.

• Ozah is on the staff of The Guardian.