Corruption: Governor Radda’s defence of governors

IN a recent interview with Radio France Internationale, Katsina State governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, vigorously defended Nigeria’s state governors against widespread public criticism. Facing mounting frustration over the country’s severe economic challenges, Governor Radda argued that it is unjust to single out governors for blame. He pointed out that the Federal Government controls 52 percent of monthly allocations and asserted that the depiction of governors as “thieves” is misleading and unfair. Radda stressed that corruption permeates all levels of society, asking, “Are governors the only thieves in Nigeria?”

Governor Radda’s argument highlights a significant issue: Nigeria’s fiscal federalism heavily favours the federal centre, leaving states with limited resources but substantial responsibilities. The nation’s economic woes, marked by hyperinflation, a falling currency, and escalating hunger, are deeply rooted in federal monetary and fiscal policies. Blaming only the 36 state governors oversimplifies the crisis. As Radda noted, corruption is a multifaceted problem involving civil servants, federal agencies, and private sector actors, all contributing to Nigeria’s struggles. Despite his valid points, Governor Radda’s defence ultimately serves as a form of political deflection. By invoking the “tu quoque” or “whataboutism” fallacy, he attempts to shift attention from the misconduct of some governors to the broader issue of corruption. The question is not whether governors are the only thieves, but why so many of them are thieves at all. The rhetorical force of his question, “Are governors the only thieves in Nigeria?” is devastating precisely because it concedes the premise: some governors are, indeed, thieves. Radda’s rhetorical question inadvertently admits that corruption among governors is a genuine concern, which lies at the centre of the betrayal of public trust.

The facts undermine the call for nuance in Governor Radda’s defence. As of May 2024, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had accused 58 former governors of misappropriating N2.187 trillion over 25 years. This sum, excluding billions in seized assets, represents lost opportunities for education, healthcare, infrastructure, and pensions. The list of offenders, including James Ibori, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, Joshua Dariye, and Jolly Nyame, reveals the scale of the problem. By November 2024, over 30 former governors were facing prosecution, demonstrating that these are not baseless claims but documented cases of large-scale theft.

Governor Radda correctly emphasises that leadership carries a profound responsibility, measured by its tangible impact on citizens’ lives. However, his defence rings hollow because, for many Nigerians, the governor, as the face of government most visible in daily life, has not lived up to expectation. Governors are expected to provide security, ensure payment of salaries, build healthcare facilities, and maintain infrastructure. The failure of many governors to fulfil these duties has fuelled negative public opinion. When federal allocations are received, governors are morally and constitutionally obliged to use the funds for public benefit. Unfortunately, many have not only failed to do these, so many of them have been accused of stealing public funds, converting public funds into private wealth.

The governor’s appeal would be more credible if accompanied by efforts to reform the Governors’ Forum itself. There is a noticeable absence of collective condemnation from sitting governors of those proven to have committed financial crimes. Silence, in this context, equates to complicity and perpetuates a culture of impunity. Given his concern for governors’ reputations, Governor Radda should set a positive example. He should advocate for greater transparency in his state and urge his colleagues to do likewise, setting a higher standard for governance. Nigerians are weary of debates about the share of stolen funds between federal and state officials. The suffering caused by corruption is not diminished by the identity of the perpetrators. Citizens demand an end to theft and a commitment to integrity and accountability from all public officials. Governor Radda’s interview raises important questions about fiscal federalism and governance in Nigeria. However, in a time of widespread economic hardship, citizens want leaders to focus on justice and development rather than shifting blame.

The governor’s energy would be better spent not in defending the often-indefensible office of the state governor, but in relentlessly working to redefine it through transparent, people-focused service. Only then will his position that governors are not the only thieves be replaced by the affirmation: “Our governor is not a thief, and he is making a difference.” That is the only defence that history, and the Nigerian people, will truly honour. Real progress will come not from defending the status quo, but from redefining the role of governor through transparent, accountable and citizen-focused service. Only then will the narrative change from one of accusation to one of pride and genuine leadership.

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