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The intention to establish an anti-corruption agency in the fight against corruption in Nigeria is not only noble, well-placed and commendable but also came at a time when the nation was in desperate need for it.
The issue of corruption in Nigeria has been a source of worry to any right thinking and upright Nigerians. It is as old as the nation itself. Corruption has eaten deep in to the fabric of this country to the extent that the recent rating of Nigeria as 32 on the corruption index is nothing to cheer about. It has permeated all facets of our economy and tragically eroded the labour of our heroes past. Subsequently, the nation’s march to greatness, stardom and industrial transformation was overtaken by the selfish and acquisitive tendencies of the privileged minority. Officials are not only corrupt but corruption seems to be official.
When EFCC was floated as a direct response to this seemingly hydra-headed monster, Nigerians heaved a sigh of relief. Subsequent unfolding events have proved sceptics right that no bad motive can ever produce a good result. Under the last maximum dictator, Obasanjo effectively converted EFCC to a personal tool of harassment, suppression, oppression, intimidation and subjugation of logical views and constructive criticisms of his government. It was least surprising therefore that Nuhu Ribadu lost focus, originality and direction the moment Obasanjo took a shameful bow from the corridor of power after his failed life presidency bid.
It is on record that during Obasanjo’s reign of terror as the first civilian dictator in our nation’s history, Ribadu became a bull in the China’s shop and a willing tool in the hands of a vindictive President. Close observers of event knew that Ribadu was acting as a river that forgot its root. Ribadu arrogated to himself enormous power while his master [Obasanjo] became an encyclopaedia of knowledge and wisdom.
While pro-Obasanjo governors were saints and incorruptible in the estimation of the EFCC boss, anti-Obasanjo’s governors are evils, corruptible and should be hounded and embarrassed, notwithstanding their immunity.
The on-going altercation between Ribadu [a supposed public officer] and the nation’s Chief Law Officer is an indicator of how deep-seated Ribadu has plunged in indiscipline, insubordination and arrogance in his ignorance approach to the war against corruption. Ribadu should be reminded that he was appointed by Obasanjo not to fight corruption per se but to get at the opponents of his life presidency project.
Ribadu is not sincere about the corruption as everything around him smells corruption and bad motives. The essence of his appointment has been overtaking by events and circumstances. Instead of speaking from both sides of his mouth like a drowning man looking for whom to drag along, he is advised to clearly read the handwriting on the wall and wake up to the stark reality that his likes are a direct anti-thesis of modern democracy.
If Ribadu is sincere in his so-called fight against corruption, what is he still celebrating in the ex-civilian dictator and maximum ruler who bought all the “buyables” sparing only the Aso Villa? Is Ribadu saying there is no logic in the mountains of allegations against Obasanjo that can warrant his arrest and criminal prosecution? Or is it a case of one good turn deserves another? What about Bode George, Andy Uba and other corrupt pro-Obasanjo Governors who have suddenly become saints and untouchables? Is Ribadu actually a public Officer or a political merchant? Why is it that, to Ribadu, what is sauce for the goose is not sauce for the gander?
If Ribadu feels too big to wear police uniform again, he should quit when the ovation is still loud. If, on the other hand, he is worried about life after office, he is advised to join the agrarian drive of the present administration towards self-sufficiency in food production. |