60 years history of endemic deciet – Abayomi ODUNOWO
Once upon a time in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, each of the citizens was in charge of a ministry of government. It was a time of great uncertainty and political intrigue, where accusations and scandals ran rampant within the corridors of power. The people were divided, unsure of who to trust and where to turn for leadership.
It was a tense moment in the office of the Western Region premier, Samuel Ladoke Akintola. The air was thick with accusation and suspicion as some members of his cabinet took turns to lodge complaints against one of their colleagues. They accused the man of embezzling the party’s funds and misappropriating government money without any sense of restraint. But as they continued to lay out their grievances, Chief Akintola listened with a keen ear, his piercing gaze fixed on the accused man who sat in silence, a look of defiance on his face.
As the complaints mounted, the premier’s brow furrowed with concern. Corruption was a cancer that had plagued the nation for far too long, and he was not about to let it fester within his own cabinet. Yet, as he assessed the situation, another thought crossed his mind. Could there be more to this than meets the eye? Could the accusations be politically motivated, designed to tarnish the reputation of a rival? He knew all too well the power struggles and backstabbing that often plagued the world of politics.
Finally, Chief Akintola turned to the accused man and addressed him directly. “You heard that? They said you are building two houses at the same time; you are building one in Oyo; you are building another in Ibadan. You are the party’s treasurer; you are also in charge of the government’s finances. Can’t houses be built one after the other?” His pointed question hung in the air, challenging the accusations and demanding an explanation.
The accused man remained composed, his eyes meeting the premier’s without flinching. “Sir, I acknowledge the concerns raised by my colleagues, but I assure you that my actions have always been in the best interest of the party and the people. The properties in question are being built with my hard-earned savings, acquired long before I assumed office. I have always been transparent in my financial dealings, and I am willing to open my books for scrutiny.”
Chief Akintola nodded thoughtfully, weighing the man’s words. He then turned to the complainants, fixing them with a steely gaze. “Have any of you seen concrete evidence of wrongdoing, or are these accusations based on hearsay and speculation? I will not tolerate baseless slander against any member of my cabinet. If you have proof, present it. If not, I expect you to retract your accusations and offer a public apology.”
The complainants shifted uncomfortably under the premier’s scrutiny, realizing the gravity of their claims. They faltered and stammered, unable to produce any concrete evidence to support their allegations. It became clear that their complaints were driven by personal animosity and political maneuvering rather than genuine concern for the welfare of the party and the people.
Chief Akintola’s words were measured but firm as he addressed the cabinet members. “We are all here to serve the people and uphold the values of our party. I will not condone baseless attacks on the integrity of any member of my cabinet. If you have concerns, bring them to me with evidence, and I will ensure that they are addressed fairly and justly. In the meantime, I expect all of you to work together in harmony for the betterment of the Western Region.”
The premier’s words hung in the air, casting a sobering effect on the room. The atmosphere shifted from one of hostility to one of cautious respect. As the meeting concluded, Chief Akintola made it clear that he would be keeping a close eye on the situation, ensuring that justice and integrity prevailed within his cabinet.
In the days that followed, the tensions simmered down, and the work of the cabinet resumed with newfound unity and purpose. The accusations against the accused man quietly faded into the background, their lack of substance exposed for all to see. And as the premier had promised, justice and fairness prevailed, ensuring that the values of the party and the welfare of the people remained the top priority in the Western Region.
In the midst of this chaos, a group of accusers stood before the ruling elite, armed with allegations of corruption and misuse of public funds. The tension in the room was palpable as the leader of the accusers leveled a scathing accusation at the government officials. “If we flash a torch into your anus, won’t we see faeces?” he asked, his eyes boring into the soul of the accused.
The accused officials hung their heads in shame, unable to meet the accusatory gaze of the leader of the accusers. But just as the tension reached its peak, one of the accused, Akintola, turned the tables on their accusers. “And you,” he declared, fixing his gaze on the leader, “I know that you have just built a house in Ibadan for one of your mistresses.”
The room fell into stunned silence as the leader of the accusers was exposed for his own indiscretions. It was a moment of truth, a revelation that shattered the fragile facade of righteousness that the accusers had so carefully cultivated. The premier, in a rare moment of candor, warned both sides to be sensitive to public sensibilities in their use of public funds. It was a warning that echoed through the annals of history, a reminder that power and privilege should never be abused for personal gain.
This story was one of many that Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, a former governor of the old Oyo State, shared with a trusted confidant. Dr. Olunloyo, now 89 years old, was a man of great wisdom and insight. He knew the inner workings of the political machine and was privy to secrets that could shake the foundation of the government. Despite pressure to write his autobiography, Dr. Olunloyo remained tight-lipped, preferring to keep his knowledge hidden from prying eyes.
But in the midst of the current debate over the legality of moving public money into private accounts, Dr. Olunloyo’s stories took on a new significance. His words, spoken in hushed tones, held the key to unlocking the truth behind the government’s actions. As the people clamored for transparency and accountability, Dr. Olunloyo’s stories served as a solemn reminder of the importance of integrity and honesty in public service.
The people of Nigeria stood at a crossroads, unsure of which path to take. But through the words of Dr. Olunloyo and the actions of the accused and the accusers, they found the strength to demand change. It was a time of reckoning, a time when the people rose up and demanded an end to corruption and deceit. And through their unity and determination, they forged a new path for their country, one built on honesty, transparency, and integrity.
Olunloyo sat in shock as Prime Minister Balewa divulged his innermost concerns about the state of the country. It was a heavy burden to bear, knowing that the very institution meant to uphold justice and fairness was rife with corruption and deceit.
As a close confidant to both Balewa and Akintola, Olunloyo was privy to the inner workings of the government, and he understood the magnitude of the Prime Minister’s words. The revelation weighed heavily on him, and he knew that something had to change.
In the days that followed, Olunloyo grappled with the knowledge he had gained, unable to shake off the feeling of helplessness. But deep within him, a fire was ignited – a desire to make a difference, to bring about positive change in a country he loved dearly.
It was a turning point for Olunloyo. He made it his life’s mission to fight against the pervasive corruption that plagued the nation. With unwavering determination and an unyielding belief in justice, he dedicated himself to the pursuit of a better Nigeria, free from the grips of dishonesty and greed.
Although the challenges were immense, Olunloyo’s resolve never wavered. And in time, his efforts bore fruit, leaving an indelible mark on the history of Nigeria. His commitment to fighting corruption became a beacon of hope for all those who shared his dream of a better, more just society.
In 1952/1953, during the tail end of British colonial rule in Nigeria, a commission of inquiry uncovered shocking revelations about the widespread corruption and exploitation within the Lagos Town Council, just seven years before the country gained independence. The findings of the commission exposed a network of greed and abuse of power that extended across both public and private sectors, implicating ordinary workers, politicians, and officials alike.
The report detailed how nurses in hospitals demanded fees from every in-patient before providing them with prescribed medicine, and even the ward servants expected bribes before attending to basic needs like bringing a bed-pan. The corruption was not limited to the healthcare sector, as the Police Motor Traffic Unit was found to be taking advantage of overloading vehicles to extort money. Even pay clerks were discovered to be skimming off the wages of daily paid staff, highlighting the pervasive nature of the problem.
It was evident that this culture of corruption had permeated every level of society, with domestic servants being forced to hand over a portion of their wages to their superiors, and often having to pay a lump sum just to secure a job. The commission’s findings painted a grim picture of a society rife with exploitation and injustice, where the most vulnerable members of the population were being taken advantage of by those in positions of power.
As shocking as these revelations were, the sad truth is that not much has changed since then. Even today, we still see similar instances of corruption and exploitation within our public and private institutions. Politicians continue to buy and sell positions of power, while workers in various sectors are subjected to similar forms of exploitation. This ingrained culture of corruption has deep roots, echoing the sentiments of R. M. Jackson in 1958, who likened the political situation to eighteenth century England, where public office was seen as a means to personal wealth accumulation.
It is clear that the legacy of this culture of corruption continues to plague our society, hindering progress and perpetuating inequality. The findings of the commission of inquiry serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address these systemic issues and work towards building a more just and equitable society for all. Unless meaningful action is taken to root out corruption and confront these injustices, the cycle of exploitation will persist, leaving generations to come trapped in the grip of a corrupt and unjust system.
In 1952/1953 Lagos, it was widely known that public and private jobs could be bought by those with enough money and influence. Fast forward to Nigeria of 2024, and little seems to have changed. Sixty years of independence should have been ample time for redemption and progress, yet the seeds of corruption planted in the past have grown into an insurmountable oak. This oak of misdeeds looms large, casting a shadow over the country’s potential for true development.
Corruption has become so deeply ingrained in the fabric of society that the law itself seems powerless in the face of the powerful. The institutions meant to safeguard the country, such as the Central Bank of Nigeria, have been plundered from within, leaving nothing but a hollow shell in their wake. Government ministers, instead of contenting themselves with embezzling funds, now brazenly steal entire ministries with impunity.
The perpetrators of these atrocities seem untouchable, their actions shielded by a divine immunity that repels any attempts at accountability. It is as if they are rattle snakes, poised and ready to strike without fear of consequences. The country is fully vaccinated against virtues, and the future seems bleak under the looming shadow of the oak of corruption.
The recent emergence of a document signed by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, has sparked outrage and controversy across the nation. In the memo, Edu directed the Accountant General of the Federation to transfer a substantial sum of money into a private account belonging to an individual named Oniyelu Bridget.
What is alarming is the fact that the minister did not disown the document, but instead, she confidently owned it and defended her actions as legal. She also attributed the leakage of the memo and the ensuing public outcry to her detractors, whom she accused of being involved in a previous scandal concerning the misappropriation of funds within the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA).
This latest controversy comes on the heels of the suspension of the National Coordinator and chief executive of NSIPA, amidst allegations of financial impropriety. While the details of these allegations are still emerging, the individuals involved have vehemently denied any wrongdoing and have instead pointed fingers at their perceived enemies.
In light of these developments, it is crucial for the relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate these claims and ensure that transparency and accountability prevail. The integrity of our government institutions and the proper utilization of public funds must be upheld, and any allegations of corruption or malfeasance must be addressed with the utmost seriousness.
It is concerning that the Accountant General of the Federation, Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, had to publicly address the issue of a questionable payment request that her office received from the Edu ministry. In her statement, she made it clear that the payment was not made as instructed because the procedure was wrong. This raises serious questions about the awareness and adherence to the laws and regulations governing the use of public funds within the Nigerian bureaucracy.
One is left to wonder whether the civil servants involved in drafting the memo for the payment request were not aware of the Financial Regulations 2009, which clearly prohibits the deposit of personal money into government bank accounts and public money into private accounts. Furthermore, the responsibility ultimately falls on the person signing off on such a large sum of money to ensure that proper procedures are being followed.
The existence of such regulations begs the question of what civil servants and government officials are being taught in terms of fiscal responsibility and legal compliance. The fact that such a significant oversight occurred indicates a larger systemic issue within Nigeria’s bureaucracy that needs to be addressed.
It is essential that all public officials and civil servants are well-versed in the laws and regulations governing the use of public funds to prevent further incidents of improper procedures and potential mismanagement. Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein’s decision to ignore the payment request and speak out on the issue is a reminder of the importance of upholding transparent and lawful financial practices within the government.
The current state of affairs in our country is one that demands serious reflection and action. The revelation of the N44.8 billion suspension and the N585 million memo is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the audacious actions of the present Federal Government. It seems that we only know what our leaders allow us to know, or what ‘accidentally’ leaks, leaving us in a state of uncertainty and disarray.
It is easy to dismiss these issues and say that no money has been lost yet, but we must consider the long-term consequences of corruption and impunity. The renowned political scientist Colin Leys warned in 1965 about the detrimental effects of corruption on the development of a country. He argued that when the top political elite is consumed with getting rich through corrupt means, it is unlikely that development plans will be fulfilled. His predictions reeked of doom, and sadly, his words still ring true today.
In addition, the publication ‘Corruption in Developing Countries’ by Ronald Wraith and Edgar Simpkins in 1963 painted a grim picture of the landscape in African countries, including Nigeria. They described a “jungle of nepotism and temptation” and saw malfeasance flourishing “as luxuriantly as the bush and weeds which it so much resembles.” Their metaphor of corruption as a toxin suffocating the growth of the country is a poignant reminder of the consequences of the actions of our leaders today.
Indeed, if nothing fruitful grows today, it is because the earth was scorched yesterday. We cannot afford to turn a blind eye to the corruption and impunity that plagues our country. It is time for us to demand transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership from our government – for the sake of our future and the future of our nation.
The vaccine that will cure our political elite of greed has not been made. Lanrewaju Adepoju, a Yoruba performing poet who died recently, looked at a situation like this in the 1980s and declared that nothing overwhelmed a babaláwo more than being confronted with a bad case that permitted no remedial ritual. The Nigerian situation is pretty much like a terminal illness – or worse, like a carcass being mobbed by a pack of wolves and a wake of vultures. Everyone tears at it, exacting their share. And the predators are very bold and daring.
Socialists and Marxists will blame this tragedy on the greed of capitalism and its lack of shame. English trade unionist, Thomas Dunning (1799-1873), quoted by Karl Marx in his three-volume work ‘Capital’ said “With adequate profit, capital is very bold. A certain 10 percent will ensure its employment anywhere; 20 percent certain will produce eagerness; 50 percent, positive audacity; 100 percent will make it ready to trample on all human laws; 300 percent, and there is not a crime at which it will scruple, nor a risk it will not run, even to the chance of its owner being hanged. If turbulence and strife will bring a profit, it will freely encourage both…”
Just sit back and, like Akintola, take a long look at the accused and the accusers in the current scandal in Abuja. Look at the entire business architecture of government. Corruption is the only business that yields returns here. In 60 years plus, the Nigerian state has established itself as a crime scene.
It is evident that the current situation in Nigeria is dire and that corruption is deeply ingrained in the system. The political elite have become so entrenched in their greed and desire for power and wealth that it seems as though there is no hope for change. The lack of accountability and the unchecked power of those in positions of authority have created a system where corruption is not only rampant but seemingly accepted as the norm. The people are suffering as a result, with poverty, inequality, and lack of basic rights and services becoming the norm for the majority of the population.
In the face of such overwhelming corruption, it can be easy to feel hopeless and powerless. It can seem as though there is no way out, no savior to come and rescue the Nigerian people from the grip of the political elite. However, it is crucial to remember that change is possible, and that it starts with each individual taking a stand against corruption and holding those in power accountable for their actions.
The road to change will be long and difficult, but it is not impossible. It will require a concerted effort from all members of society, from grassroots activists to those in positions of power. It will require a commitment to transparency and accountability, as well as a willingness to confront the deep-seated corruption that has plagued Nigeria for far too long.
It is also essential to recognize that change will not come overnight. It will require patience, perseverance, and a deep sense of determination to see it through. However, it is crucial to remain hopeful and to continue fighting for a better future for Nigeria and its people.
In conclusion, the current situation in Nigeria is dire, and corruption has become deeply entrenched in the system. However, change is possible, and it starts with each individual taking a stand against corruption and holding those in power accountable for their actions. It will be a long and difficult road, but it is crucial to remain hopeful and to continue fighting for a better future for Nigeria and its people.
Otunba Abdulfalil Abayomi ODUNOWO
National Chairman AATSG.
9th January, 2024.
