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The Cankerworm of Corruption in Nigeria: The Case for an All-Encompassing Solution

Published

6 years ago

August 3, 2018

Eric

By Bonajo Badejo SAN

INTRODUCTION:

It has become a notorious fact that despite efforts by the Government, corruption remains endemic in Nigeria. It has eaten into the fabric of the society. It has indeed become a National Security issue. If this menace is not tackled effectively and comprehensively, it will eventually destroy our nation.

WHAT BREEDS CORRUPTION?

A study of Countries where corruption is less prevalent have shown the presence of four (4) important elements in the society which can be summarised as follows:-

A NATIONAL CONSENSUS – An Agreement by the people to build a just and egalitarian society.

A CULTURE WHICH ABHORS CHEATING AND INJUSTICE – A deep rooted and conscious implantation of a way of life where the majority of people in society condemn and abhor cheating, injustice and other anti-social behaviour or condemnable acts.

A STABLE INFRASTRUCTURE which reduces shortages in access to social and public institutions and amenities and provides standard facilities and social amenities for the generality of the people.

STRONG COERCIVE STATE INSTITUTIONS – A strong, virile and independent Judiciary to interpret the Law supported by a strong resolute and fair minded Executive to enforce the law and a virile Legislature to pass necessary Legislation to be implemented.

BRIEF RECAP OF THE NIGERIAN SITUATION:

A substantial study of our situation reveal the absence of these four important elements in varying degrees ranging from the normal, the seriously abnormal, the absurd, the downrightly disgraceful and embarrassing. Every right thinking member of our society knows that there is the disgraceful absence of National Consensus on the need to tackle the menace of corruption in Nigeria. The deep inadequacies, shortages of amenities, the near collapse and failure of State Institutions have provided a veritable breeding ground for Corruption.

These systemic failures have produced weak institutions of Government which cannot in our present situation sustain any serious assault on Corruption because these institutions are largely produced from a society which lacks a consensus on the subject and the necessary culture which naturally abhors corruption and cheating. It is a common saying that “you cannot plant yam and reap maize”.

AN ALL-EMCOMPASSING STRATEGY TO

TACKLE THE MENACE OF CORRUPTION:

It has therefore become a compelling necessity to lay down an all-encompassing strategy to tackle the menace. The Cankerworm of Corruption has eaten so deep into the fabric of our Nation that identifying, investigating and arraigning corrupt persons in Court though very useful, cannot single-handedly solve the problem. We require an all-encompassing strategy: A humanising Pedagogy that will strike at the root of the problem.

In my considered view, the following steps are expected to establish a Paradigm shift and a National consensus on ethical behaviour to persuade a TURN AROUND and a PEACEFUL REVOLUTIONARY TURNING POINT within a period of six (6) to nine (9) months:

First, the President should publicly address the Nation exclusively on the menace of Corruption and declare its elimination as a compelling necessity for the progress of the Nation.

Second, the President should declare a week of National Prayers which will entail fasting and Prayers by MUSLIMS, CHRISTIANS and adherents of all other faiths, seeking the face of God to help the Nation TURN AWAY from Corruption and other Vices. The need for this Therapy is borne out of the fact that there is overt religiousity in Nigeria but sadly the Religious Character is largely lacking. There is a need to sensitise and allow the people to know that being religious is not the end. The need to cultivate a character that will match the tenets of our religious beliefs is an imperative ingredient for our Salvation.

Third, the National Orientation Agency, the Public Complaints Commission and other relevant sensitisation bodies should be re-organised. They may all be merged under a NATIONAL ETHICS BUREAU (or by whatever name called) to plan and implement a Comprehensive National Campaign to sensitise the people and forge a Paradigm shift in our way of thinking and orientation which pre-disposes the majority to dishonesty, unpatriotic conducts and other vices sabotaging our National Vision and inhibiting our Progress.

Fourth, Simultaneously with steps 1, 2 and 3 a NATIONAL REFORMATION AND ATONEMENT COMMISSION should be set up without delay. The Commission will have a trustworthy Nigerian as Chairman and an Executive Secretary and also comprise of other worthy Nigerians working in conjunction with EFCC and ICPC and/or other relevant Security Organisations. All Public servants at a time to be determined, preferably since Independence would at their own discretion, be expected to appear before the Commission within six to nine months to willingly declare their assets, confess whatever unjust enrichment or corruption they have been involved in and offer atonement by way of payment of money or surrender of ill-gotten Properties, investments or Wealth to the Nigerian State. The Commission will work with Security Agencies to ascertain and verify the Claims and work out an orderly surrender of ill-gotten wealth. All persons who have not held Public offices but have participated in any schemes of corrupt enrichment will also be encouraged to appear before the Commission to negotiate and surrender ill-gotten wealth. All those who appear before the Commission to negotiate and surrender ill-gotten wealth will be granted immunity from prosecution. It is necessary to sponsor legislation and work out the logistics to support this unprecedented therapy.

The four steps above will be driven and co-ordinated directly by the Presidency and/or a newly established Office of the National Domestic Adviser to be appointed by the President.

Within the six (6) to nine (9) months, the fifth step is that all machineries of the Judicial System, all relevant laws, all coercive agencies of Power like the Police, Prisons etc. will be sensitised, reformed and repositioned for effective and flawless administration of Justice.

At the conclusion of the work of the NATIONAL REFORMATION AND ATONEMENT COMMISSION, the Sixth step will be for the full weight of the Law to resume its course. Whoever is caught in Corruption or any Criminal activities – AT WHATEVER PERIOD WHATSOEVER SINCE INDEPENDENCE except those ISSUES that have been settled through the Commission will be investigated and charged to Court and the full weight of the Law will be brought to bear.

In addition to steps Five and Six, Therapies 1, 2 and 3 will continue unabated. This is because it is important to mount ceaseless campaign of sensitisation in order to establish the new culture required to fight the scourge of Corruption in our beloved Country.

CONCLUSION:

The disposition to always wait for those against whom petitions will be lodged at the EFCC or other Security agencies, investigate and utilise the Judicial process to deal with them cannot work as our collective experience as a nation have shown so eloquently.

The Therapies above are by no means exhaustive. They may be fine-tuned and re-focused to meet the compelling exigencies. However, they are compelling and unavoidable in our present circumstances.

It is hoped that once these measures are taken, a REVOLUTIONARY TURNING POINT which Nigerians urgently desire will begin in earnest. Permit me to state unequivocally that the foundation of a just and egalitarian Society which will guarantee our Progress as a Nation cannot be built and sustained unless these compelling and far-reaching measures are put in place accordingly.

‘BONAJO BADEJO, S.A.N., A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Public Commentator writes from Lagos, Nigeria.

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Akwa Ibom Gov Disburses N750m Business Grant to 15,000 Youths

Published

2 days ago

December 24, 2024

Eric

In a historic move to tackle unemployment and empower Akwa Ibom’s youth, Governor Umo Eno has disbursed ₦750 million in unemployment business grants to 15,000 youths across the state. This innovative programme provides ₦50,000 monthly grant to 5,000 beneficiaries, with plans to expand the initiative to a total of 60,000 youths drawn from all 31 Local Government Areas (LGAs) over the next 12 months.

Speaking during the official presentation of the grants at Banquet Hall of Government House, Uyo, Gov Eno described the initiative as a cornerstone of his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and capacity building.

He urged beneficiaries to utilize the grants for productive ventures that will enhance their personal growth and contribute meaningfully to the state’s economy.

He reaffirmed his administration’s focus on creating opportunities that enable youths to thrive and unlock their full potential, adding that this programme is part of a broader charter to highlight and support the immense talent and resilience of Akwa Ibom youth.

Gov. Eno also announced plans for civil service recruitment through the State Youth Employment Portal.

He encouraged youths to register on the portal, which has been designed to simplify access to jobs and other employment-related initiatives, underscoring his administration’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity in public service recruitment.

Additionally, the governor highlighted several complementary programmes aimed at building youth capacity, including Ibom LED, the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre, and the Ibom Community Watch initiative. These initiatives provide vital training, mentorship, and job creation opportunities for young people, equipping them with the skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive economy.

Describing the selection process, SSA on ICT, Dr. Frank Ekpenyong said beneficiaries where chosen through an unbiased and thorough process.

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Ahead Christmas, It’s Glo’s Feliz Navidad All the Way on TVCs

Published

4 days ago

December 22, 2024

Eric

Celebratory seasons, such as Christmas and New Year, are times when corporate organisations churn out new television commercials (TVCs) to connect with their customers and share the fun, euphoria and uncommon conviviality of such seasons.

One such organization which has over the years used this strategy to great effect is Nigeria’s top telecommunications brand, Globacom.

The exciting commercials that the technology company keeps rolling out fan the delight and elation of the season of goodwill. The brand employs the occasion not only to promote brand awareness but to felicitate its customers and the nation at large.

It is a tradition Glo has established. Since it started operations in 2003, it has always used television commercials as veritable tools of ensuring brand presence, marketing products and services and spreading joy among its various targets.

The 2024 Yuletide adverts it rolled out recently are not different. The two unique yet powerful commercials serve dual purposes. They felicitate the Nigerian people and spread mirth, which the season typifies, around existing and prospective customers.

Expectedly, the two new commercials have dominated the airwaves, and kept viewers talking and relishing the joy that Christmas brings.

The first commercial features juju music maestro, King Sunday Adegeye, popularly called King Sunny Ade, who parades a full ensemble of dancers and a rich, talented band in the TVC tagged “Merry Christmas”. The percussions, rhythm and dance merge to foster affability and enchanting memories of the season of glad tidings.

Before the party celebration where King Sunny and his band entertain guests, the TVC takes viewers back to the 1970s and 1980s when Christmas was celebrated with so much fanfare. It paints a vivid picture of rural Nigeria during Christmas where the warmth of tradition and community fills the air. The village with lush green vegetation is buzzing with excitement, with children playing, women cooking delicious meals in open-air kitchens, the aroma of local dishes (you can literally perceive it) mixing with the sounds of Afro Juju music. Families and friends gather around, dancing joyfully to the rhythmic beats, their faces beaming with happiness as they celebrate the festive season. A woman bearing the Aso ebi for the party is shown coming down from a Peugeot 504 car which also reinforces the advert as being set in the 1980s.

The television commercial by the telecom company captures the essence of togetherness, blending the cultural richness of rural life with the spirit of Christmas, all while subtly underscoring the telecom brand’s role in connecting loved ones, no matter how far apart they may be. It ends with “Better don come. Merry Christmas, Nigeria” further underscoring the reason for the commercial.

The second commercial tagged “Feliz Navidad” uses a galaxy of known artistes including Nollywood star, Timini Egbuson, as well as Uche Nwaefuna (Uchemontana), Chigozie Stephanie Alichi (Chizzy Alichi), Tomi Ojo, Eronini Osinachim, Kiki Bakare and Tope Adenibuyan (Teddy A) to pass across the message of Christmas.

At the heart of the Christmas party, the energy is electric as tap dancers take center stage, their feet tapping out intricate rhythms that blend seamlessly with the upbeat melody of Feliz Navidad. The sound of their shoes striking the floor creates a lively pulse, complementing the lively tunes of the music band performers who bring the festive song to life with vibrant instruments and harmonious vocals. Laughter and cheer fill the air as all come together to toast the season, sharing in the joy of music, movement, and the warmth of the Christmas spirit. The scene is a vibrant celebration of culture, unity, and festive joy, all set to the timeless sounds of Feliz Navidad.

These commercials have further endeared the Glo brand to its subscribers and the general Nigerian public as they enjoy the geniality of the season of love, hope, gifts and celebrations.

Talking about the Yuletide commercials, Ademide Gafar, an industry watcher opined that churning out great TVCs is one of the selling points of the Glo brand while John Michael, a marketing communications expert, noted that Globacom is not just a leader in the telecommunications sector but a prominent creator of unforgettable commercials. From the nation’s pride in telecommunications, it’s Feliz Navidad-Merry Christmas!

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Court Sends Woman to Prison for Abusing Tinubu’s Son, IGP on Social Media

Published

5 days ago

December 21, 2024

Eric

Olamide Thomas, who reportedly threatened Seyi Tinubu on social media, was on Friday, arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja.

Olamide was arraigned by the office of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, before Justice Emeka Nwite on a three-count charge.

Olamide was alleged to have, sometime in 2024, knowingly and intentionally transmitted communication in the form of video recording through a computer system or network on her social media platforms wherein she made remarks in Yoruba language.

In the video, she was alleged to have stated: “Mr. Seyi Tinubu would die this year, and misfortune and calamity had befallen the Tinubu family, with intent to bully, threaten, harass the person of Mr Seyi Tinubu.”

The communication was said to have placed Seyi in fear of death, violence or bodily harm.

The offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 24 (2) (a) of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.

In count two, the defendant was alleged to have intentionally transmitted communication in the form of video recording wherein she made remarks in Yoruba Language to bully, threaten, and harass the person of Egbetokun.

The communication was said to have placed Egbetokun in fear of death, violence or bodily harm.

The offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 24 (2) (a) of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.

She, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Olamide was arrested on allegations bordering on harassing and threatening Seyi Tinubu, Egbetokun, and the Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, in a viral social media post.

In the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/636/2024 dated and filed on December 18 by the police team of lawyers led by A.A. Egwu, Olamide was sued as sole defendant.

Upon resumed hearing, Victor Okoye, who appeared for the police, informed the court that the matter was slated for arraignment and that he was ready to proceed.

After the counts were read to the defendant, she pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The defence lawyer, T J. Aondo (SAN), sought to move an oral application on his client’s behalf but the request was turned down.

Justice Nwite directed Aondo to file a formal bail application and adjourned the matter until December 30 for the commencement of trial.

The judge, however, assured the defence counsel that as soon as a bail application is filed in form of a motion on notice, the court would not hesitate to hear it.

Justice Nwite, thereafter, ordered Olamide to be remanded in Suleja Correctional Centre pending the hearing of her bail application.