The main preoccupation of this administration has been the fight against corruption. No doubt, our society celebrates evil and we adore insanity. Anybody who attempts to maintain sanity will be seen as an outcast and a misfit. The news of the imminent release of a former governor of Delta State, James Ibori, from a prison in the UK and how the people celebrated him shows that we as a people are not ready to free ourselves from corruption and are fully ready to bear its consequences. Although celebrating convicted criminals is not peculiar to any particular tribe or region in Nigeria, the renewed strength used in showing admiration for this act is the disheartening part of it.
Some years ago, ‘aso ebi’ was bought and drums were rolled out to celebrate the return of a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain from the prison after being convicted of financial misappropriation. Just as expected, many people filled the streets to celebrate the release of Ibori from the UK. They went as far as labelling him a ‘mentor’, ‘role model’ and ‘leader’. Truth be told, you cannot name a wrong person your leader or model and expect a right outcome. Why on earth will people decide to make an ex-convict a leader in a sane society?
If truly there will be a war against corruption in the land, there must be a repositioning of the hearts of every citizen first. People should know that when convicted corrupt leaders still get the praises of some section of the society, it becomes difficult to cleanse the society of this limiting factor. The consequences, however, become ours.
Corruption is a thing of the mind. Fighting it goes beyond sectionalism or sympathising with a kinsman; it has to do with being resolute against all forces, even those forces that seem beneficial to our personal interests. We must reject people who are wicked and heartless enough to steal our common wealth. We must make them feel deserted just like they make us deserted in enjoying our common wealth.
Oke, Babawale Simon
University of Ibadan
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