Corruption remains big challenge

NIGERIA currently needs leaders with a mindset that is completely averse to corruption. But it is increasingly difficult to find leaders who will not be influenced by the corruptive tendencies in Nigerian politics.
It is not debatable that before Nigeria can compete with the leading democracies in the world, the incompetence, decadence and indiscipline among its leaders must be addressed.
Nigeria today is in a mess: the change we desire has not yet manifested. Corruption has an assured place in this country. We drink and eat sleaze.

Politics is about expressing our choices. The masses ought to freely express their franchise. But it is important that we remind ourselves that some of the defining attributes of leadership are lost or muted because of the way we interpret our history.

If we continue to tolerate distorted historical accounts, we will keep producing dishonest leaders. Billions and trillions of naira will continue to get missing. Public funds will always be misappropriated, and probes will not lead to punitive action.

Addressing corruption is a question of deliberation. Nigerians know how to address corruption but have failed to do so because the political leaders have refused to practise what they preach.
To address coruption, some things must be done. Political leaders must lead by example. Then, amending the constitution would help a great deal. The government must always punish offenders. The citizenry will change when leaders change.

If corruption is finally tackled, then Nigerians will have true freedom.