I initially thought the problem of Nigeria was that of primitive acquisition of wealth. However, with recent developments, I think one should correct himself.
Some call Nigeria a zoo. I think they are only being charitable. Yes, they are.
Nigeria is actually a jungle!!!
If you disagree with me, I really don’t have any apologies.
What can we call a country where the poorest of the people are suffering for one of the basic products of the petro-chemical industry- kerosene – while a former boss man at the NNPC is allegedly keeping millions of dollars in a farm house.
Maybe the guy was trying to show Nigerians what to do. Farm, farm and farm!
Incidentally, the guy is from southern Kaduna, a place that has become infamous for its ethnic cum religious skirmishes.
He was probably keeping the money for his people pending when they finish their incessant battles.
What about those INEC officials who allegedly received a stupendous amount from a governor. The money was allegedly received as bribe for an election.
The monies that were allegedly traced to a seating governor and a former minister of state nko? The monies were also supposed to be used for an election.
What about the monies and properties allegedly traced to a former petroleum minister? That one could be described as super-stupendous.
Nigeria is battling the boko haram. The war could have been past tense if the defenders had been doing what they were trained to do. But instead of doing that, some of the highest officers were busy feathering their nests.
An NSA is still in detention for allegedly having itchy fingers. He is said to have liberalised the government’s funds in his custody.
Regrettably, I don’t see things being better in the coming days.
In the first instance, how do our elected officials get picked? What is the ratio of the elected officials’ emoluments to that of the least paid civil servant. Mind you, the least paid civil servant is not necessarily the least paid salary earner.
Once we start thinking that when people are elected, they are picked to serve, I think we should have started getting there.
Logically, if they have been lucky to be picked to serve their nation, they should be paid seating allowances only. This, of course, will bring the cost of governance down. Incidentally, this will also stop the do or die rush for elective offices since there will be no gold there.
We as a people have a lot to do. Why must we receive any gratifications before we vote in people to the various elective posts? When we do so, it is tantamount to selling our consciences. So, we won’t have any moral justification to speak against them if they refuse to perform.
I personally think the governments at various levels have so much to do. They could use the National Orientation Agency to orientate us.
Governments at all levels should make sure the basic amenities are provided for the people. If they do this, illegal monies would be unattractive to most people.
But the greatest thing, I believe, is a sense of patriotism. If we would desist from seeing ourselves as being first from our ethnic backgrounds but first as Nigerians, I think we’ll be on the way.
021117
