Fight against corruption: An initiation of neo-evil By Nchekwube Basil

Corruption is a broad concept. It assumes various levels of ill-practices. Going by the definition of Oxford Dictionary (7th Edition), corruption is rendered as a dishonest or illegal behaviour especially of people in authority. This definition seems inadequate. Though it sets delimitation to this article. Corruption cuts across all spheres of human endeavour. It is not only the crime of those in authority. It goes beyond to include people from all walks of life. There are different manifestations of corruption out of which are: political corruption, public corruption bribery, private corruption, embezzlement of public fund and or misappropriation, partiality, any dishonest practices surface here.

          Undoubtedly there is no mincing of words that Mr. President meant well for Nigeria to have initiated a war against corruption. This is because corruption is the bane of this country. Every other evil of the day in this country is necessitated by corruption. His quest to curb off corruption would be the greatest landmark on record ever in the anals of Nigerian history when broken even. It is so because corruption has earned Nigeria an ugly and repugnant name around the world. The level of corruption in Nigeria is on the high increase. This has given rise to the indelible mark of suspicion  to the personality of every Nigerian citizens to the world outside of us. A big Kudos to Mr. president as he embarks on the extermination of this hydra-headed phenomenon  called corruption. But it calls for the support of all and sundry.

          With the introduction of fight against corruption by the Buhari led administration, I am very optimistic we are hoping into a new Nigeria where corruption drastically is reduced to the barest minimum. This hope seems dashed, sequel to the recent appointments into various key offices which is lopsided.  In which case, the appointments, so far, was more in favour of the North. To articulate my own sentiment and the minds of the many out there is to posit a question:  Is Nigeria only to a particular people and race? However, the failure to consider the South East geopolitical zone and others in the prior appointments of Mr President is controversial and an outrageous venality. At this juncture,it is needful to stress that partiality and dishonesty are an aspect of corruption. If  Mr. President is truly bent on fighting corruption, care must be taken to ensure equity and equivalence, justice and fairness in his exercise of power.  To sideline the
whole of the South-East in the national appointment earlier is unhealthy, unjust, unlawful and disheartening. It does not encourage for a salubrious growth of so huge a nation with a diversified ethnic group such as Nigeria. In the same vein, it puts forth a big question: Whether there is no person in the South-East qualified to be attracted the appointment of Mr. President? Equally, I ask is South-East not of Nigeria. The above questions rear their heads up for answers. Currently, though oblivion of tomorrows expectancy, Mr. President act in the appointment showcased a glaring fact of marginalization to Ndi Igbo. It is suggestive of a clear indication of sectionalism, marginalization, ethnicism and tribalism. More so, it is a deprivation of right of belonging or ownership to some clime, nay, Igbo.

          I am so elated with Mr. President’s bid to wage corruption but I am beginning to lose confidence in him. It is true of his negative singular act which is a threat to national unity.  It could lead to divisiveness for there is no harmony in disintegration. Meanwhile, it is solving one problem by creating another.  Anchoring my lamentations on the premise that corruption is evil, dishonesty, decay, I doubt the possibility of wining the war; if and only if it is to be based on nepotism and negative politicking. Corruption is dishonesty, corruption above and beyond is a negation that must be eschewed by whatever means possible for the better growth of Nigeria as a unified entity. In sum, therefore, preference must be given to that which unites us as a nation than to that which separates us for a better Nigeria.
Nchekwube is a Teacher based in Awka, Anambra state and can be reached on 08060005230 [email protected]