Corruption no doubt can be pointed out as the Bane to the development of our Nation Today, and this could be traced to the beginning of our existence and even far beyond our Pre-colonial days. Like a Cancer in the leg it has grown beyond bounds and has prevented us from attaining the desired developmental strides as Nigerians. It is so worrisome the manner which it is taking a footstool in our lives as Nigerians, and this Norm has virtually affected all areas of our existence negatively.
Nigerians saw the emergence of Democracy as a panacea in the fight against this Socio-Economic and Developmental Monster, hopes were raised beyond imaginations as the masses duly anticipate a Government of the People and for the People. A Government that is poised in setting up an exemplary standard in the fight against Corruption. Soon we were greeted with reforms in virtually all arms and agencies of government. Though Corruption and Gross mis-conduct of public office holders still thrived in its Traditional Nigerian form, successes were also recorded as it saw the emergence of anti-graft agencies which comprises of the ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CRIMES COMMISSION (EFCC) and the INDEPENDENT CORRUPT PRACTISES AND OTHER RELATED OFFENCES COMMISSION (ICPC).
As time flies the Policies embedded administration of Olusegun Obasabjo gave birth to the TRANSFORMATIONAL INITIATIVE of Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (Ph.d). Who promised Nigerians a fiercer battle in the fight against corruption and other related offences both in the public and private sectors. In what seem to be a realisation and fulfillment of promises kept President Jonathan went beyond miles to upturn stones of corrupt public office holders through the empowerment of the EFCC and ICPC respectively. This empowerment saw the outright Conviction of the former Delta State Governor, Chief James O. Ibori In London on several court count charges on corrupt practises while in office.
His fight against corruption also saw the removal of the former EFCC boss, Mrs. Waziri and the installment of a more credible Nigerian, the Fuel Subsidy Removal obviously was a fine step in sanitizing the oil industry which previous administrations has failed to embark on. Though Nigerians were compelled to chew the bitter pill but its gain obviously will restore smiles in the faces of Nigerians as the Fed. Govt embarks on a journey in indicting both local and foreign oil marketters. The case of Farouk Lawan and Femi Otedola is one that can not elude the memories of Nigerians in a jiffy, as the revelations that prevailed gave hope to the common man that there is possible prevailance in the war against corruption. This administration also achieved a feat as it exempted himself from the allegations of Subsidy fraud laid on the Sons of two PDP Chieftains and Leaders.
The most recent in the list the dishonoring of more than Twenty(20) public office holders and other Nigerians who have been convicted for corrupt practises and other related offences. Though this came as a Shocker but it received a nod from a cross-section of Nigerians who gave the decision a Laud and it brought a brighter Ray of Hope that soon we will live in a Nation that is free from the shackles and strong holds of Corrupt Individuals.
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