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Unmasking the Veil of Corruption: Nigeria’s Struggle for Accountability
Introduction:
In the heart of Nigeria’s socio-political landscape lies a daunting challenge — the pervasive lack of accountability that has crippled the nation’s development. From electoral fraud to deep-rooted corruption, the poor accountability structures in Nigeria have allowed political office holders to exploit their positions for personal gain, hindering the country’s progress and the well-being of its citizens. In this op-ed, we delve into the revelations and allegations that have surfaced, exposing the staggering extent of corruption during Muhammadu Buhari’s reign and the subsequent struggles for accountability. Moreover, we discuss the broader implications of poor accountability on Nigeria’s governance and offer insights into the role citizens can play in fostering transparency and demanding accountability.
The Era of “Ungovernance”:
The opulence of corruption during Muhammadu Buhari’s eight-year reign is staggering. The revelations surrounding Sabiu “Tunde” Yusuf’s vast wealth, prompting even the Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele to advise diversifying the ill-gotten gains into different accounts, paints a grim picture of the kleptocratic bazaar that unfolded. Governance took a backseat as the nation witnessed an unstrained, stratospheric, and eyewatering scale of corruption, earning this period the moniker of the “era of ungovernance.”
Emefiele’s Complicity and Presidential Ambitions:
Godwin Emefiele, the central bank governor, emerges as a central figure in this tale of financial malfeasance. Accusations of infernal incompetence, mind-blowing self-serving actions, and incomprehensible cluelessness define his tenure. Reports suggest that he became a conduit for unmentionable financial crimes involving Buhari’s relatives, close friends, and associates. Emefiele’s ludicrously insane attempts to run for president while still in office, using the financial and symbolic resources of the central bank, further tarnish his legacy. The unfolding investigations into his conduct indicate a deeper rot within the financial institutions of the country.
Sadiya Umar Farouq’s Ministry: A Morass of Venality and Fraud:
The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, under Sadiya Umar Farouq, is not spared from the allegations of corruption. Reports suggest that the ministry has turned into one of the most putrid morasses of venality and fraud during the Buhari years. The laundry list of accusations against Sadiya, including the alleged misappropriation of over N37 billion, highlights the depth of corruption within key government institutions responsible for social welfare and development.
The Call for Accountability:
Muhammed Kazaure Gudaji, a member of the House of Representatives, bravely points out the elephant in the room — the enormous theft of public resources during the Buhari regime. While being a staunch Buhari partisan, Gudaji demands accountability by urging the government to arrest and investigate high-profile figures, including Emefiele, Abdulrasheed Bawa, Mele Kolo Kyari, Abubakar Malami, and others. His plea underscores the urgency of holding those responsible for the alleged colossal corruption accountable.
Buhari’s Awareness and Allegations of Covering Corruption:
Allegations that President Buhari was aware of the massive corruption within his government cast a shadow on his legacy. Stories of covering up family members caught abroad with unusually large amounts of cash add a layer of complicity. The disturbing account of the last-minute interventions to rescue a prominent Nigerian’s son caught with millions of dollars/pounds in England raises questions about the ethical conduct of those at the highest echelons of power.
Betta Chimaobim Edu: A Continuation of Unchecked Corruption:
The alleged financial corruption scandal rocking the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation appears to be an unending saga. The successor to Sadiya Umar Farouq, Betta Chimaobim Edu, is implicated in a leaked memo directing the disbursement of N585,198,500.00 into a private UBA account, violating Nigeria’s public sector financial regulation laws. This revelation, coupled with the recent suspension of the National Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme Agency over alleged financial misappropriation, paints a grim picture of the state of accountability within government agencies.
The Role of Citizens in Fostering Accountability:
In the face of such staggering corruption, the role of citizens becomes paramount. The culture of non-accountability and the refusal to take responsibility is deeply rooted in Nigerian society, contributing to the persistence of poor accountability practices. To break this cycle, citizens must actively engage in promoting transparency and demanding accountability from public officials.
Examples of Poor Accountability and Their Impact:
Electoral fraud, consistent low rankings in corruption perception indices, poor service delivery despite substantial budgets, and a lack of transparency in financial reporting are examples of poor accountability in Nigeria. These issues have far-reaching consequences, affecting the country’s democratic processes, economic development, and the overall well-being of its citizens.
Promoting Accountability: A Call to Action:
To address these issues, a concerted effort is required from the Nigerian government, civil society, and citizens. The government must prioritize the establishment and enforcement of robust accountability structures, ensuring that all departments and agencies comply with financial reporting requirements. Civil society organizations and the media should continue their role in exposing corruption and advocating for reforms. Citizens, on their part, should actively participate in governance processes, hold elected officials accountable through advocacy and activism, and vote for candidates who prioritize transparency and accountability.
Conclusion:
Nigeria stands at a critical juncture where the fight against corruption and the promotion of accountability are more crucial than ever. The revelations and allegations presented here underscore the urgency of addressing the deeply ingrained culture of corruption within the country’s political and bureaucratic spheres. As citizens demand accountability, and the government takes decisive action against those implicated in financial mismanagement, there is hope for a brighter, more transparent future for Nigeria. The journey towards accountability is long and arduous, but it is a path that the nation must tread to secure a better tomorrow.
Chidi Ekeh writes from Abuja FCT Nigeria
