We are at a point where the alleged crime of once-upon-a-time powerful big man is immaterial but what is material is whether or not the "oga" is put on cuffs. It no longer matters who perpetuate fraud, neither does it matter the level of fraud perpetuated by people in positions of trust, what now matters is that those within our political comradeship are not "touched" ie leave our man for us. It no longer matters whether or not the government in power performs, what now matters for some people is to see the government to fail simply because it wasn't their choice at the poll. This period is the lowest of low for Nigeria.
Nigeria is facing her greatest challenge since her 55th history as an independent State. In fact, it has come to a point where corruption is being elevated to the zenith while anti-corruption crusaders are victimised. We are at a point where the alleged crime of once-upon-a-time powerful big man is immaterial but what is material is whether or not the "oga" is put on cuffs. It no longer matters who perpetuate fraud, neither does it matter the level of fraud perpetuated by people in positions of trust, what now matters is that those within our political comradeship are not "touched" ie leave our man for us. It no longer matters whether or not the government in power performs, what now matters for some people is to see the government to fail simply because it wasn't their choice at the poll. This period is the lowest of low for Nigeria.
The Wickedness of Political Leaders Since 1999
Are Nigerians aware that the level of mismanagement and corruption in our democratic era since 1999 eclipse the combined military and civilian administrations since 1960? Are Nigerians aware that Nigeria has made NO significant gain since 1999 when compared to what we had before 1999? Are Nigerians aware that the late dictator Sani Abacha that we love use as point of reference when talking about corruption is a fine gentleman when compared to Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan's administration? Are Nigerians concerned that while Generals Sani Abacha and Ibrahim Babangida were accused of looting $5billion and $12billion respectively, Obasanjo administration couldn't account for $16billion spent on power, while Jonathan's administration spent a whopping $6billion(N2trn) for fuel subsidy in 2011 alone with nothing to show for it(but blaming some fictitious cabal)? The over $2billion Abacha loot that has been repatriated so far cannot be accounted for by Obasanjo and Jonathan's administrations. In fact, we are told that part of Abacha loot was relooted in the $2.2billion arms fraud.
Are Nigerians not concerned that during Abacha's era with fuel price averaged at $15 per barrel, Abacha reduced Nigeria's debt from $36billon(1993) to $27billion(30% reduction), $494million to $9.6billion(1800%), reduced inflation from 54% to 8.5% and implemented projects through PTF. However, during Jonathan's era, oil price was average $100 per barrel but our external debt still rose from $3.94 billion to $9.4 billion as at Dec 2014($6.1 b is FG external debt), Foreign reserve went from $47.7billion to $32billion, and Excess crude account went from $6.5billion to $460million in 2010(GEJ got $3.36 billion/56%), it rose to $9billion in 2012 and was again depleted to $2.2billion when he left office(GEJ got $6billion) with nothing on ground to show for it?.
Are we not concerned that when the at $30per barrel oil price, Nigeria is crying for money whereas President Olusegun Obasanjo on assumption of office ensured that he saved for the future by created an Excess crude Account from zero kobo in 1999 to $20billion in 2007 to take care of moment like this which was depleted to meagre $2.2billion even when oil price was averaged $100 per barrel between 2007 and 2015?
Nigeria is Behind Her Peers
Are we not concerned that while war-torn country like Libya still manage to maintain $66billion in their Sovereign Wealth Fund(SWF), Iran $62billion, and Algeria $50billion, Nigeria could only manage to save $3billion(ie $1billion SWF + $2billion ECA)? Are we not concerned that even Angola with lesser oil income has over $5billion in their SWF? Are we not concerned that Angola that fought civil war 28years ago, whose poverty rate as at 2010 was 68% now has about 40% poverty rate(CIA Fact book) with massive infrastructures in the country, while Nigeria that fought civil war about 50years ago and with access to more funds still has poverty rate of 70%(official figure) with no single infrastructure to boast of?
Our Attitude As Responsible Citizens
If we are responsible citizens of this country, we'll be very much concerned about state of affairs rather than imprison ourselves in irresponsible and unpatriotic positions by telling authorities to let go of corruption suspects when he/she/they has/have the privilege of legal process. It is irresponsible and unpatriotic for any person/party or group to be more concerned about someone in handcuff rather than the alleged crime the person is facing in court. In case people don't know, Illinois Gov Rod Blagojevich was arrested and put on handcuff in December 2008 as an incumbent governor even before his impeachment/conviction. It is a fact that the convicted soldiers were tried on handcuff, late Audu Abubakar was also brought to court on handcuff during Yar'adua era. When did handcuffing a suspect become an issue in Nigeria? While it is our civic responsibility and right to vote for candidate/party of choice at the poll, it is irresponsible to elevate the interest of any single person or party above national interest.
It is a truism that Nigeria is in her trying state. We have been ripped and raped by insatiable gluttons that are privileged to be on fat salaries and allowances, and life pensions, yet very irresponsible to corner the little left for the masses. Bringing these people to justice irrespective of how highly placed they are or their political/tribal affiliation will not only serve justice but will also send message to those in positions of authority and those prospecting to hold positions of trust in the future. If we don't fight corruption we may wake up one day to hear that one President has changed the title of the Federation Account to his own name.
May God Bless Us All and Bless Nigeria
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