How genuine is fight against corruption?

ELECTIONS are epochal events that throw up those who will man the affairs of a country for another democratic cycle. More attention is dedicated towards the presidential election. It is not surprising because as far as Nigeria, alongside many other democracies, is concerned, the office of the president is the highest office in the political order.

This year’s election is somewhat unusual due to the fact that an array of aspirants threw their hats in the ring. No electoral cycle in Nigeria, to the best of my knowledge, had witnessed such a huge interest in the apex office of the land. At the last count, a total number of 72 persons are jostled for the seat of the president. While campaigns were ongoing, and a number of candidates unveiled their manifestos. It was however, observed that most aspirants did not really hit the nail on the head.

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We have seen a government that turned the anti-corruption crusade into an avenue to hound perceived enemies. We have also seen another which patted corrupt elements on the back, giving them room to milk the Nigerian treasury dry. In all of these, one thing is clear: corruption is still pronounced in Nigeria, and people are not afraid to engage in corrupt practices day in day out. The control system is weak.

Corruption is the deadliest menace battling Nigeria. Once the fight against it is seen to a logical stage, the Nigerian problem is solved, to a large extent. There is no disagreement among all that Nigeria has all the ingredients to be a buoyant economy. While Nigeria has risen to the position of being the world capital of poverty, revelations have continued to emerge that some few individuals have funds that can feed the whole nation for a year at their disposal.

All aspects of our national life are affected by this malaise. Our education sector, our judiciary, our health sector and all others are affected by this. Corruption is the reason our graduates are unemployable. To get rid of corruption, leaders at all levels – especially the president – must not tolerate looting of public treasury while meritocracy should be embraced in employment or appointment.

Abdullah Abdulganiy, olamilekanhalarho@gmail.com