As a concerned citizen, I have followed the recent 'welfare' apologies 'transport fare' of $50,000 offered by the Presidency to the Save Nigeria Group (SNG) and returned to the Presidency. The two parties involved in the theater of who is trying to blackmail who, the Presidency and the recently created pressure group SNG, have generated an increased viewing audience.
As a concerned citizen, I have followed the recent 'welfare' apologies 'transport fare' of $50,000 offered by the Presidency to the Save Nigeria Group (SNG) and returned to the Presidency. The two parties involved in the theater of who is trying to blackmail who, the Presidency and the recently created pressure group SNG, have generated an increased viewing audience.
The arguments for the return of the cash and counter arguments for denial of the offer of cash appear to provide a glimpse into the unfolding murky political landscape leading to the 2011 general elections.
While this presents the indication that series of transport tolls must have been received by various interest groups visiting the Presidential Villa for personal or political gains without the knowledge of Nigerians, credit must be given to the Pastor Bakare- led SNG for providing insight to what transpired. It is quite disturbing for a struggling generation and a struggling system with an uncertain better future that such flaunt is brought to public glare. It is better imagined than heard or witnessed. We are also not forgetting that our leaders are symbols of emulation.
Credit given, indictment passed and the variables of praise and embarrassment waving at each other on our political terrain, irrespective of the intention of the offer, it is instructive to look at another channel for the 'transport money' if not returned. With series of important national issues begging for attention or support, in my opinion, the transport money shouldn't be returned to the source. Is it not possible to inform Nigerians of the retention of the cash and donate it to another laudable cause? Despite the confidence that SNG is more than that figure or rather cannot be bribed. By this action, we are certain that the money does not return to personal pockets at the expense of public good. This would further douse concerns of who blew the whistle first.
Even if the ‘transport money is’ meager, it would be worthwhile to collect such from the almighty ‘Presidency’ and have press coverage of the donation of such figure. It could support the take-off of a small scale business enterprise. It could support the young Nigerians that are still looking for the opportunity to be within the walls of a school. By the way, does bursary still exist? It could provide hope for the disillusioned after graduation with no job but skill to develop one. It could also provide food for the ones without food security. And the list goes on.
The opinion is without prejudice to the integrity of the members of the SNG and our Presidency. For the writer, the integrity of the SNG would still be intact even without returning the cash and channeled towards those in dire need with public knowledge.
At this stage, claims of bribe would not hold waters over credible individuals if it means we need to be receiving ‘transport money’ to develop areas that are deliberately neglected. This is another avenue for Nigerians to develop the system without losing sleep over credibility.
Adeolu Ade Adewumi
Political and Conflict Analyst
[email protected]
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