It was President Muhammadu Buhari who cried out during the heydays of his campaigns in 2015 that ‘ if Nigeria did not kill corruption, that corruption will kill Nigeria’. This declaration then changed the political equation of the time having promised that corruption would be checkmated if not totally eradicated in the society when he becomes the president. That Nigeria is enmeshed in the miasma of corrupt practices more than ever, seven years after what many, mainly the loyalists of the current regime, refer to as integrity government calls for serious soul searching as a people, and as a nation. For example, just two weeks ago, the Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed ldris, was alleged to have stolen about N84 billion belonging to the Nigerian people under his custody. This was after Abdul Rasheed Maina, former Chairman, Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), who is currently serving jail terms also helped himself with N2 billion meant for the Nigerian retirees. Other high profile frauds covered and uncovered, never imagined that could happen under this dispensation of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to say the least, have made mockery of the much touted integrity and may have brought so much shame, so to speak, and disrepute to this government.
Again, the presidential pardon granted to some of those who dipped their hands into the public treasury, coupled with short jail terms imposed by the courts on those who stole our taxpayers’ money prompted some of the Civil Rights activists in our midst to conclude that, this government has lost the war against corruption and even went further to ask government to release others currently behind bars, unconditionally. With 2023 general elections fast approaching, and political parties already conducting their primaries, the issue of money politics once again has started to rear its ugly head that characterised past elections, whose impact, the country is currently paying dearly for. For instance, unconfirmed report has it that, each party delegate that participated in the just concluded Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) presidential primaries went home with between $30,000 to $40,000. Same will be applied to the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), whose presidential delegates’ congress is fixed for June 6, and 7, 2022. As far as money continues to play key role, it would be difficult to have credible and rancour free elections, where the choice of the people would emerge as the winner at the end of the day. However, the electorates can actually make the difference by coming out, and ensuring that their votes count, realising also that their future and the future of their children, born and unborn would hang in the balance if the right choices are not made. By and large, the 2023 general elections indeed would be a litmus test for all Nigerians because of the fragile state of the nation at the moment, caused by the insensitivity of the political class.
The recent PDP presidential primaries, where monies in hard currencies exchanged hands simply indicate that our politicians are not ready to amend their ways, no matter the hue and cry of the poor masses. Where that leaves us is that, the yearnings for genuine change would continue for a very long time except the Nigerian people decide to take their destinies in their own hands. Those whose parents and relatives are politicians are gradually beginning to find their way also into politics. This is also because they have access to public funds already stockpiled for them. What that means is that, in the next couple of years, the children of today’s politicians would continue from where their parents stopped since it’s a game for the rich as hapless Nigerians have come to realise. Yes, the PDP presidential primaries is over, a winner also emerged. But can the names of the delegates and those positioning to take part in the All Progressives Congress (APC), convention be made public? Reason being that, the presidential candidate they have chosen and about to choose, would govern all of us, even though the majority of Nigerians have no hands in their emergence as parties flag bearers. It is also important because Nigerians deserve the right to know those who went to Abuja and collected what belong to all of us in the name of party delegates.
Where this is impossible, we call on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), to go after the delegates. They should get court injunctions, arrest and investigate the delegates and possibly bring them to justice now that the monies could still be found with them. However, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), owe it a duty to ensure that 2023 general elections are free and fair. lmpartiality should be the watchword this time if at all what is left of the country should be salvaged. We want to caution again that, the future and corporate existence of this entity called Nigeria should not be toyed further with by politicians. Political parties should be allowed to go about their activities in orderly manners and according to laws guiding their conducts. Those who are currently positioning to manipulate the system without recourse to the fragile nature of the country at present should think twice and desist from such unpatriotic conduct to avoid unpleasant situations. We don’t want that!