There are unrecovered amounts stolen by public office holders (who still walks freely), and starched in foreign accounts. These monies are boosting the foreign economy, while Nigeria’s economy is degenerating. Cases such as Farouk Lawal $3million subsidy scandal, Dimeji Bankole $1billion money laundry allegation, Stephen Oronsaye N1.2billion alleged fraud, Chief Olabode George N85billion fraud, among others running into billions of dollars, have been thrown into the dustbin of history.
By Charles Iyare
The federal government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari should stop its constant public allegations of those responsible in looting our treasury.
Government should be seen taken necessary actions against those who are culpable in stealing from government coffers.
There should be formulation of policies with stiffer penalties that will prevent others in tolling the same line of theft.
We have seen groups who are not part of the Presidents cabinet coming out to grant press interviews and pointing accusing fingers on the alleged looters.
This gives cause for worry, as it is not different from the old ways of postulating their ulterior motives and engaging Nigerians on their prolonged wish for a corrupt-free society.
The federal government should understand that there is nothing new about the war against corruption.
Previous regimes have openly criticized its predecessors on the pages of newspapers for indulging in irregularities, committees were set up, and the findings are swept under the carpet.
What Nigerians want is the immediate trial and conviction of those who are guilty of directly or indirectly involved in the looting of the Nation’s treasury with adequate jail term, as stipulated by the law.
There are unrecovered amount stolen by public office holders (who still walks freely), and starched in foreign accounts.
These monies are boosting the foreign economy, while Nigeria’s economy is degenerating.
Cases such as Farouk Lawal $3million subsidy scandal, Dimeji Bankole $1billion money laundry allegation, Stephen Oronsaye N1.2billion alleged fraud, Chief Olabode George N85billion fraud, among others running into billions of dollars, have been thrown into the dustbin of history.
This is not unconnected with the current state of unemployment, epileptic power supply, death traps on roads, poorly equipped security forces, hospitals and schools, to mention just few.
The Federal government should abstain from politics of bitterness in its drive to eradicate corruption.
Party members accused of corruption scandals while in office, should not be given the leverage to crucify opposition members assumed to have stolen some resources. They also should be dragged to the gallows as syndicates.
The federal government should see its fight against corruption as a victory for democracy and the downtrodden.
It should shun corrupt politicians who seek to capitalise on federal might in witch-hunting members of the opposition.
Every time wasted in prosecuting corrupt government officials, is enough time for them to strategise on ways to get out of their current predicament, as there may be room for familiarising, switch of allegiance, lobbying etc.
This will undermine the good will of the government to bring corruption to its knee.
Nigerians are anxious to see government officials (irrespective of party affiliation) who rode on impunity, now served with their own meal of sabotage, intended for the downtrodden.
Any mismanagement of this process, will dash the hope of Nigeria’s dream of even-handed institutions where things work.
Charles Iyare is the Monitoring and Evaluation officer of Africa Network for Environment and Economic justice (ANEEJ)
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