Beyond Blame: Confronting Corruption as a Collective Nigerian Responsibility

It’s a common narrative that Nigerians tend to attribute corruption solely to politicians, when in reality, corruption permeates the entire political and socio-economic landscape, implicating all of us.

Given the above, some people question why Nigerians should blame every woe on politicians. I have many friends as politicians. I am also proud to say that some of them have performed creditably well.

However, is the ruling class not composed of politicians? Are the politicians not Nigerians? So, if they are Nigerians, is it wrong for Nigerians to criticize themselves?

One reason the electorate criticizes politicians is that they hold the baton of change and promise to wipe out corruption when they campaign during each election cycle. Yet, they seemingly have betrayed that trust, failing their responsibilities in this fight against corruption by not coming hard on themselves like the scriptures promised to start cleansing from the Lord’s vineyard. So, why won’t the followers point accusing fingers at them?

It’s a glaring injustice when two governors, who bled the treasuries of their states blind, are pardoned by the ruling party in 2022. Equally unjust is the fact that two other former governors were granted perpetual restraints from prosecution, which makes them untouchable and above the law. This is happening in a land where even yam/goat thieves, the common criminals, stay in prison for years without trial. How can such blatant double standards deter the populace from corruption and thievery?

As concerned citizens, it’s high time we demand accountability and transparency from our leaders. Let’s not just point fingers but take decisive action to bring about the change we want to see in our country. Only with an effective consequence management system will we not wallow in a sea of criminality and corruption with no end in sight!

Grace and peace!!!