Unmasking Corruption: Beyond Embezzlement – A Call for Introspection and a Paradigm Shift to Eradicate Corruption in Nigeria

People usually look at corruption from the prism of embezzlement of public funds, bribery, graft, extortion, etc. Unfortunately, these are a part of the many faces of corruption.

Of all our past leaders that you know from Aso Rock to the Local Government level, which one is free from cronyism, nepotism, parochialism, and influence peddling, which are all corruption practices?

Extrapolate these to the public service, private sector, professional societies and town meetings, and you will realize that corruption lives with us.

Corruption is a cancer that should not be allowed to grow. Once it grows and it takes a root, every citizen is at risk of being crushed.

So, check within you, if you were made a commissioner or minister today, will you be guilty of any of the faces of corruption? For those who have served and retired, did you prefer your kinsmen to the application of merit when you led people? Were you parochial or tribal in dispensing public good?

Head or tail, we need a complete paradigm shift to rid Nigeria of corruption. For the war on corruption to be effective, we must start the cleansing from within us and the family if we must make Nigeria work.

Grace and peace?