A NEW NIGERIA

NIGERIA - FROM A COUNIRY TO A NATION. THE ROLE OF THE ELECTED AND IBE ELECTORATE TOWARDS ENDING CORRUPTION IN NIGERIA.

Most Nigerians have lost faith in the fight against corruption and the building of a new Nigeria. They believe that the fight against corruption is a lost cause, that it is one that is selective and meant to witch-hunt those who sternly oppose the policies of the ruling party. Corruption has eaten so deeply into the Nigerian system that attempting to cleanse the system of it seems like an impossible task

However, we must understand that the nation did not become this corrupt overnight - it took many decades of corrupt acts being perpetuated. Thus, it will take years of persistence, patience, and determination to cleanse the system of corruption.

THEMOST EFFICIENT TOOL FOR BRINGING AN END TO CORRUPTION

Our great country, Nigeria is 61 years old. However, she still acts like a baby that is trying to find its feet. Like many other citizens, so much doubt fills my heart as to whether Nigeria will ever truly become the great nation God destined her to be.

I strongly believe that great men like Pa Anthony Enahoro and Obafemi Awolowo, who fought for our independence from colonial masters, never envisaged that Nigeria would deteriorate to such a terrible state after all these years of independence. The one question that woke me up this morning is,

how did we get here as a nation?"

As I pondered upon this very question, it dawned on me that a nation as great as Nigeria could only have found herself in this state because she has had only very few responsible and selfless leaders. The majority of her leaders have been corrupt, power-drunk, selfish, nepotistic, plainly inept and disconnected from the realities of the masses.

It is troubling that a country with such much potential for greatness and _plenty of natural resources, including oil, would face tlie ugly reality that most families and individuals find it hard to afford just one square meal a day. However, citizens of countries with less potential for greatness and scarce natural resources live far better lives.

How did we get here? It does seem like the labour of our heroes past have so far been in vain. When will Nigeria begin to live up to its name, potential, and natural resources?

Unfortunately, these questions seem years away from being answered, as many of those occurying sensitive positions in this great nation are selfish and have refused to take upon themselves the weight of responsibility required for effective leadership.

They fail to understand that leadership is a call to service- a call to serve and better the lives of the people they swore to protect. They can afford more than three rich meals, sleep in big mansions, and drive cars purchased with stolen funds.

No doubt, corruption remains at the heart of all the pain, poverty, and hardship most citizens of this great nation experience daily -corruption that is so deep beyond what we know or see. What we know or hear is just the tip of the iceberg. The future of Nigeria looks very bleak, as virtually all sectors of the economy have been crippled by this bane of corruption. health, education, economic, and legal system are all nothing to write home about.

Most disheartening of all these is that the youths in whose hands Nigerias destiny lies are following the footsteps of present corrupt leaders. Corruption means different things to different people. The common Nigerian views corruption in the sense of stolen money, but there is more to the concept of corruption. In reality, not only those in positions of leadership and authority are guilty of corruption. At the very least, even the common person is corrupt.

Corruption is defrauding a person or people of their resources or opportunities. It entails diversion or subversion of justice. It is diversion of funds. It means misappropriation of funds and more. When the war against corruption is only targeted at a select group of people while those guilty of the same offence are left to move about freely, it is also corruption.

A New Nigeria is our collective responsibility and we can live in the most desirable nation in the world. Yes, we can make it happen.

This books explores the problem and proffers solution to having a corruption free nation where peace, justice, and equity reigns