“In Nigeria, corruption doesn’t just pollute the system, it is the system” Time Magazine, April 25, 2011. Page 28.
Yes, Oladimeji Bankole (Ex Speaker, of the House of Representatives) was arrested for corruption, but to achieve a balance, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) should also arrest other top politicians who have stolen massively from the public treasury. Our security agencies cannot claim ignorance of the free movement of other heavily corrupt politicians in Nigeria. Another question is, under what condition(s) did the ex speaker obtain those fraudulent loans from the bank(s). It might also be interesting to beam searchlight on the bank(s) involved.
Arresting Bankole or other corrupt politicians might not make any impact, if the Nigerian system continues to treat corrupt people kindly. “The greatest incitement to crime is the hope of escaping punishment” Marcus Cicero. This is more prevalent in Nigeria. The system rewards and recognizes corrupt people. In most cases, prison sentences are mere Childs play. Former Inspector General of Police, Tafa Balogun was convicted of N20 Billion naira fraud and was sentenced to 6 months imprisonment, Mrs. Cecilia Ibru, former MD/CEO of Oceanic Bank was jailed 6months for stealing N54 billion naira. Olabode George committed a fraud of over N85 billion naira in Nigeria, and was given only 2.5 years (two and half years jail sentence). Bankole might even not get conviction, talk less of sentence. Remember James Ibori (Ex Governor) of Delta State was discharged and acquitted in Nigeria only to be arrested in Dubai and extradited to UK for the similar offences he committed in Nigeria.
The list of corrupt cases in Nigeria is endless and there is no end in sight. Time Magazine is right to say that in Nigeria, corruption doesn’t just pollute the system, it is the system. “The World Bank estimates the country’s generals and gangster politicians stole $300 billion in the three decades to 2006”(Time Magazine, May 3rd 2010 Edition, Page 42). Who knows the figures stolen from 2007 till date? One thing is obvious; the level of corruption in Nigeria will certainly make development of our country near impossible. Preventing corruption should be a top priority. The authorities should also take punishing corrupt people seriously. The author wants to be proven wrong, that the present government might not be able to wage an effective war against corruption. May God Bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An activist and Citizens Journalist.
Facebook / C.v.Akuta.
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
Monday, June 13, 2011
Inaugurations of 29th May 2011.
My concern remains what inauguration means to ordinary Nigerians. Perhaps, it means hope for better things to come or hope for changes. The Nigerian masses are right to expect changes, but actualizing these hopes to realities are most times difficult. In the past, most electoral/governmental promises are never fulfilled. The question remains, what will be different this time around and what can the citizens do, to hold governments accountable to their promises and responsibilities. The author suggests the formation of active citizens watch dog. This is in addition to an earlier suggestion by the author for the formation of shadow government by the opposition party/parties.
“Politics is too serious a business to be left for politicians alone” Charles de Gaulle. Therefore, as Nigerians mark inaugurations at most states and federal level today 29th May 2011, the author advocates active participation of the citizens and the opposition parties to provide checks and balances. For our nation risks autocracy, without checks and balances. For the numerous court cases, resulting from the elections, nothing less than judicial transparency, free and fair trial will be accepted. As a way forward, forensic examination of all contested election results have been recommended.
For the innocent Nigerians that lost their lives through various electoral violence, may the almighty God grant their souls eternal rest. Our security agencies need to re-strategize for preventive and pre-emptive actions from now onwards. The nation also needs healing arising from the wounds of the last election. Healing will come when aggrieved Nigerians find justice thru the various electoral tribunals. May God bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An activist and Citizens Journalist, Based in UK.
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
“Politics is too serious a business to be left for politicians alone” Charles de Gaulle. Therefore, as Nigerians mark inaugurations at most states and federal level today 29th May 2011, the author advocates active participation of the citizens and the opposition parties to provide checks and balances. For our nation risks autocracy, without checks and balances. For the numerous court cases, resulting from the elections, nothing less than judicial transparency, free and fair trial will be accepted. As a way forward, forensic examination of all contested election results have been recommended.
For the innocent Nigerians that lost their lives through various electoral violence, may the almighty God grant their souls eternal rest. Our security agencies need to re-strategize for preventive and pre-emptive actions from now onwards. The nation also needs healing arising from the wounds of the last election. Healing will come when aggrieved Nigerians find justice thru the various electoral tribunals. May God bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An activist and Citizens Journalist, Based in UK.
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
Zoning Government Positions In Nigeria.
Fellow Nigerians
Zoning arrangements have been a process used by past and present government, to select or appoint people to governmental positions, based on their zones/states of origin. Please let us know what you think about zoning in the present day Nigeria. Kindly visit the enclosed web link and vote, http://www.misterpoll.com/polls/524307. Please note that the identity of each respondent will be anonymous. The result of your votes will form the basis for, recommendations to authorities. May God Bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An activist and Citizens Journalist.
Facebook / C.v.Akuta.
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
Zoning arrangements have been a process used by past and present government, to select or appoint people to governmental positions, based on their zones/states of origin. Please let us know what you think about zoning in the present day Nigeria. Kindly visit the enclosed web link and vote, http://www.misterpoll.com/polls/524307. Please note that the identity of each respondent will be anonymous. The result of your votes will form the basis for, recommendations to authorities. May God Bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An activist and Citizens Journalist.
Facebook / C.v.Akuta.
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
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