By ‘Dayo Hassan
Nigeria, a nation rich in natural resources and human capital, remains mired in a cycle of underdevelopment. At the heart of this stagnation lies a pervasive culture of lawlessness and corruption, affecting every stratum of society, from leaders to followers. This malignant issue permeates various sectors, from government to civil society, and continues to be a major impediment to Nigeria’s growth and development.
Leadership in Nigeria is marred by rampant corruption, with public officials often seen as the custodians of illicit wealth. The looting of public funds has become almost synonymous with political office, where power is often wielded not for the public good but for personal enrichment. This greed-driven leadership fuels a vicious cycle where corruption begets more corruption, and the few who dare to challenge this status quo are often silenced or sidelined.
Civil servants, who should be the engine of governance and development, have become enablers of this corruption. Instead of upholding the principles of accountability and transparency, many civil servants collude with politicians to embezzle public funds. This unholy alliance ensures that corruption is deeply embedded in the fabric of Nigeria’s public sector, making meaningful reform a herculean task.
The rot of corruption is not limited to the political class. It extends to various aspects of civil society, including student associations, staff unions, and cooperative societies. In these organizations, the mismanagement and embezzlement of funds have become commonplace, mirroring the larger national problem.
Student associations, which should be bastions of activism and advocacy for a better society, often fall prey to the same corrupt practices they should be fighting against. Leaders of these associations are sometimes involved in embezzling funds meant for student welfare, thereby setting a dangerous precedent for the next generation of leaders.
Staff unions, originally established to protect workers’ rights and interests, have also not been immune to corruption. The very unions that should be fighting for fair wages and working conditions often find themselves embroiled in scandals involving the misappropriation of funds. This betrayal of trust not only undermines the unions’ legitimacy but also weakens the collective bargaining power of workers.
Cooperative societies, which were intended to promote economic self-sufficiency among members, have been plagued by mismanagement and corruption. The funds that should be used for the collective benefit of members are often siphoned off by a few unscrupulous individuals, leaving the majority worse off.
One of the most disheartening aspects of corruption in Nigeria is the role of enforcement agencies in perpetuating it. Rather than serving as the gatekeepers of justice, some members of these agencies aid and abet corruption. This can range from turning a blind eye to criminal activities to actively shielding corrupt individuals from prosecution.
The police, for example, are often accused of colluding with criminals and corrupt politicians, making it difficult to hold anyone accountable for their actions. The result is a culture of impunity, where those in power believe they can act without fear of consequences. This has eroded public trust in law enforcement and the judiciary, further entrenching corruption in the society.
The culture of lawlessness and corruption in Nigeria is a major obstacle to the country’s growth. It is a cancer that has spread throughout the fabric of society, from the highest levels of government to the grassroots. The fight against this menace must be holistic, involving not just the prosecution of corrupt individuals, but also the strengthening of institutions and the promotion of a culture of accountability and transparency.
For Nigeria to break free from the shackles of underdevelopment, there must be a collective effort to root out corruption at all levels. Leaders must be held accountable for their actions, and civil servants must be reoriented towards serving the public good rather than private interests. Civil society organizations, including student associations, staff unions, and cooperative societies, must also be vigilant in ensuring that their leaders are not allowed to abuse their positions for personal gain.
The journey towards a corruption-free Nigeria will not be easy, but it is a necessary one if the country is to realize its full potential. The time for action is now.
