The, Chairman, House Committee on Power, Hon Ndudi Elumelu, is again in the news. But this time, not on a positive note. Elumelu, we recall, is that uncommon Nigeria who took the bull by the horn in the fight against graft. As part of his contribution to nationhood, especially within the context of the Nigerian situation, Elumelu spearheaded the long drawn mess in the energy sector and unveiled startling revelations involving the high and mighty in the society.
For every discerning mind, it was certain Elumelu had stepped on toes and certainly would not go scot-free for a well done national assignment. This is Nigeria- an archetypal animal farm where some Nigerians are more equal than the others. But Elumelu tried to do the impossible. He, through his report, sought a society anchored on the principles of social justice, equity and fairness.
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Unfortunately, in the typical Nigerian assessment, Elumelu is deemed a failure for allegedly bringing the credibility of society’s untouchables to question. And for this, he may have begun to face the consequences.
Today, the news is that Elumelu is at large for fear of arrest by the dreaded Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). His offence is that he was involved in a N6 billion rural electrification contract scam which unfortunately, has not been established. Elumelu is not alone in this, though. Others who were implicated from the lower chamber of the National Assembly are Hon. Jibo Muhhamed, Elumelu's deputy on Power and Hon. Igwe Paulinus. This is after the Senate Committee Chairman on Power; Senator Nicholas Ugbani had been reportedly arrested by the commission.
But good a thing- Nigerians know what all these are all about. We long knew Elumelu would someday be handsomely rewarded for his contributions in our quest for the Nigeria of our dream. Whilst we do not in any way intend to hinder the course of investigation into the scam, we seek justice; we seek fairness and of course, the fear of God if truly we must move forward as a people.
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In all of these, one thing is certain: posterity awaits us all and would certainly put everyone in his or her places and according to their contributions to wherever Nigeria ultimately finds herself in the comity of nation.
DAVID OFFOR
National President
National Conscience Forum
34 IBIRONKE STREET, OFF OSOLO WAY, ISOLO, LAGOS
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