Corruption And The Untouchables

By

Aminu Iyawa

As a journalist and public affairs commentator, I can count myself among few Nigerians who receive privileged information on certain happenings that the rest of Nigerians would never know unless we disclose.

Most of the times, I carry out my own investigation to ascertain the credibility of the information before going to public with it. The ethics of the profession demands this and so does my conscience. In this business you cannot afford to be discredited, even when you are tempted with huge brown envelops or lucrative positions. The interest of the people comes first.

In the twilight of the Jonathan administration, July 2014 to be exact, when my former boss, Governor Nyako of Adamawa state was impeached and the executive council to which I was a member was dissolved, I immediately reopened my media consultancy business and came up with a proposal to the Jonathan administration that would have netted me billions if I had gone through with it.

I had my connection in Aso Villa and I was supposed to be introduced to the number one citizen as soon as he returned from his US trip. I am sure President Jonathan would have bought my proposal hook, line and sinker, had I followed through and presented it to him.

The sense of patriotism in me kicked in at the dying minute. After careful reflection about the condition his administration put Nigerians through, especially for us in the Northeast where Boko Haram was reigning supreme with the aid of top military chiefs, It would have been like stabbing myself with a knife in the stomach, hence, I aborted the programme and cancelled the appointment with my contact.

Partriotism is a very hard commodity in this country and is still in short supply despite the introduction by the current administration, the public awareness campaign - "Change Begins With Me."

Like most Nigerians, I still insist that change must begin from the top, by those at the helm, so that their actions could be emulated. Unfortunately, it is still business as usual for those at the top. Nepotism and bribery and corruption is still very much alive. While abuse of office is the order of the day.

Just recently, most of federal government contractors that have been paid money in excess of N500 million were allegedly forced by the Central Bank of Nigeria to open new account with with Heritage Bank.

It has been gathered that Heritage Bank is partially owned by the senate president, Dr. Bukola Saraki who allegedly solicited the assistance of the Governor of the Central Bank, Godwin Emefiele to revive it.

I have personally spoken to a close friend to one of the contractors who was denied his payment  cheque of over a billion Naira until he opened an account with Heritage Bank. And when he tried to transfer the funds to the accounts of some people he owes money, he was denied the transaction and told to ask the beneficiaries to come and open accounts with the bank.

How bad can things get in this country. The CBN Governor allegedly conniving with president of the senate to step on the rights of citizens because of the position they hold at a period when poor citizens are told to change in character.

Also a period when a former head of government agency accused of squandering over N6 billion, but was freed and is roaming about when he refunded N1 billion cash.

Or yet, a former President whose wife could not explain how she came about $15 million in her surrogate business accounts, but has the gut to challenge authorities despite the fact that she should be in jail.

Closer to the President's office, his Chief of Staff allegedly collected bribe of N500 million from MTN for influencing the reduction of fine of over a trillion Naira imposed on it by the country's communications regulator, the NCC.

The list is endless. Sadly, all these alleged perpetrators are untouchables. We can only lament, because the advocated change is only applicable on lowly citizens. On me and you, and never THEM.

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AMINU IYAWA is the former Special Adviser on Media to the former Governor of Adamawa state Murtala Nyako and one-time Commissioner in the same state.