Connect with us

Opinion

Nigeria under Bondage of Corrupt Leaders

Published

4 years ago

on

Yusuf

 

By Yusuf Shuaibu Yusuf

The essay though not historical one, to fully understand the quagmire and chaos Nigeria stumbled into, one has to contemplate and flashback the emergence of the country as a sovereign nation and the immediate events that led to its development. Only then would one asses its present malady and profer a possible remedy to it.

A former British colony, situated in West Africa and occupying a total area of 9237770km² and total coastline of 853km, Nigeria, a multi culturally diverse nation, is the most populous African country with enormously vast natural resources. The country which attained its independence in 1960, has alternately been ruled by both military and civilian governments until 1999 when Abdussalamu Abubakar, a military head of state himself, finally handed over power to the elected civilian government, starting from Olosegun Obasanjo,down to Yar’Adua, through to Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and finally to the incumbent president Muhammadu Buhari. And this has been the longest time, so far, the country has ever witnessed the uninterrupted civilian rules since its inception.

Atiku Off To Europe On Business Trip

There is a need to elaborate on the word ‘corruption’ as it would recurrently feature in the subsequent paragraphs. Corruption is an umbrella term for any action that deviates from what is right. This includes election misconduct, misappropriation of public funds, exam malpractice, nepotism, favouritism, bribery, tribalism, regionalism, religious bigotry and whatnot. In 2012, Nigeria was reported to have estimatedly lost over $400 billion to corruption since its independence.

“The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership. There is nothing basically wrong with the Nigerian land or climate or water or air or anything else. The Nigerian problem is the unwillingness or inability of its leaders to rise to the responsibility, to the challenge of personal example which are the hallmarks of true leadership.” Chinua Achebe.

The total decay and degeneration, we, therefore, see today and for which change we crave and dream of, hasn’t been something natural or fortuitous, but rather the outcome of train of corrupt leaders who have generation after generation, misgoverned the country, mismanaged and looted its vastly enormous wealth, divided and disunited its citizens,for their political benefits, along ethnic, religious and regional divides, thereby sowing the seed of hatred and distrust among its citizens who have, already, been culturally diverse in nature. Thus, the vast natural resources meant to develop our social and physical infrastructures and also to create business friendly environment in order to attract foreign investors, become a loot to be plundered by the cycle of our political class and their cronies. The politics, therefore, becomes attractively lucrative where only the rich can invest directly or indirectly through sponsoring their own candidature or that of their ‘boys’ to contest for political offices with the sole aim of yielding profit through bogus contracts. Law and order, which is supposed to be binding on all the citizens, becomes a thing for the poor while the rich and political elites can, at will, trample on the laws with impunity. By virtue of nepotism, regional or political sentiments, the dull-brained are privileged over the intelligent and the mediocre over the competent when it comes to employment, promotion or appointment.

As Chinue Achebe has aptly said” Nigeria is what it is because its leaders are not what they should be.” This claim has made it obvious that if leaders are good and competent, all other thing would fall in place and if leaders are bad and corrupt all other institutions would decay, crumble and become disorderly. It would manifest to anyone, upon little reflection, that a bad leadership affects all the existing institutions in a country, the way cancerous cells affect the entire system of the body as exemplified in Nigeria. It’s now evident that the perennial bad and corrupt leadership has virtually infiltrated and permeated all our social institutions. This cancer has eaten deep into the fabric of our existence, turning our country on its head.The ultimate outcome and the effect of this age long corruption is that Nigeria has fallen short of the prerequisite to reach world standard in almost all aspects of human endeavour, simply, because the vast resources designed to develop any such aspect are diverted and stolen by the same people who have assigned such projects in the first place.

Consequently, our educational and health sectors are in shambles. And unfortunately, the same politicians who have jeopardized and stagnated these sectors will, when the need arises, fly to developed countries for medical reasons or education of their children.
Failure of the governnment to provide job oppurtunities or create an enabling environment for the foreign investors to boost our industries has rendered our teeming youths jobless and possible recruits for the underworlds. The best brains who could be employed in Nigeria to develop the country but denied, perhaps because of their poor connection with the political class, daily, go to abroad seeking for a higher paid jobs while some of them who decide to remain in the country engage in any sort of crime to grasp quick money. No wonder Nigeria is notoriously popular in scamming and other sorts of cyber crimes. Our economic reality is so hostile that even the semi literate and the illiterate ones have, on daily basis, now jumped on the bandwagon and leave the country, for Arab world to perform domestic services and other odd jobs or seek asylum in Europe, masquerading themselves as refuges. In fact, there has never been an exodus of Nigerians into the foreign soils as we are witnessing today.

Advert

Insecurity is another grave issue Nigeria has to deal with. Our security framework has been politicized and corrupt as recruitments or promotions are allegedly not often done on merit. Another yet sad development is the way this deliberately lingering insecurity becomes a source of stealing in Nigeria. Just like the endless lies surrounding the provision of steady power supply, the issue of insecurity has created an avenue where our politicians and allegedly high ranking military officers unaccountably steal money putting the lives of the millions Nigerians at risk. This, has in consequence, made our military framework porous, exposed and very vulnerable. There have been many outcries and demands by junior military ranks, in their endless war against Bokoharam, for the short of manpower, lack of sophisticated weapons. Despite huge investment by the government in this sector, our senior military officers still complain about underfunding as being the reason of the dragging of the war . The lack of readiness, caused by corruption, by the government to tackle the issue of insecurity, squarely, is what has led to the emergence of the deadlier variant of Bokoharam in Northeastern part of Nigeria, which has now expanded its onslaught towards North central part of the country. The issue of IPOB, which on daily basis, wreck havoc on innocent Nigerians and Niger Delta militants still remain a matter of serious concern. The recent insecurity challenges which have also gone out of hand are the issues of banditry and kidnapping. The notoriety of bandits and kidnappers have caused the loss of lives and property and rendered ten of thousands innocent Nigerians homeless. The sad accounts of rapes, tortures and huge money given as ransoms to these gangsters are no longer top stories in our daily papers. In the same vein,The police who is supposed to inspire confidence and treat people with cordiality and sociability often do exactly the opposite.The tags: ‘Police is your friend’ or ‘Bail is free’, by the police organization, is as annoying as it is ridiculous. Those who have once been charged by the police or been to police station to bail out a friend or a relative would understand what I mean. The masses, therefore, lose their confidence in the police organization and no longer see the police as their friends but mere extortionists.

Knowing that our judicial system is compromising, knowing that they would bribe their way when arrested, many Nigerians have become grossly indiscipline. The attitudes of jumping the queues and smoking in public places have become a norm in Nigeria. Violating traffic laws on our main roads is no longer seen as a crime by some Nigerians. There have been different campaigns, by different governments, over the years to end these unwholesome trends. But these attempts have always proved abortive, perhaps, the people enacting the laws and the law enforcers are wanting in discipline too. Dallying and disrespecting time has become deeply ingrained in our attitude. In fact, I have never seen or heard about any African country where ‘African Time’ has been normalized like Nigeria. Coming to public offices late and closing early have become widespread almost all over the country.

I have a dream that one day our vast resources would be channelled towards boosting our economy and developing our social and physical infrastructures such that Nigeria could be competing with the rest of the world in science and technology, such that people from different part of the world would be coming to Nigeria to study or to seek medical attention.
I have a dream that one day Nigerians would rally around and vote for the people with competency and capacity irrespective of religion, region or tribe, a dream that all Nigerians would come under the same umbrella of patriotism and sing the song of unity and brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day any Nigerian would be judged according to his personal character not his identity, that any Nigerian would decide to live in any part of the country and exercise their full rights, feeling safe and at home.

I have a dream that one day Nigerians would stop seeing politics as money making industry but as an avenue to serve people in order to leave behind a good legacy, a dream that Godfearing and incorrupt people would be the ones to lead the country, the outcome of which is an ideal society where the yearnings and aspirations of the poor are represented and realized. Such was the ideal society longed and struggled for by Malam Aminu Kano and his fellow patriotic comrades until their last breaths. Malam Aminu Kano once said: “Anyone who wants to lead should be the servant not the boss of those he wants to serve”.

I have a dream that one day every Nigerian, poor or rich, would be treated equally before the law, a dream that every Nigerian would have equal access and opportunity to education, employment and promotion, the ultimate goal of which is a perfect environment where competence and hard work pay, where merit is privileged over any other sentiment.

I have a dream that Nigerian military, police and other security operatives would one day be well manned and equipped so that they could rise to the bedevilling security challenges facing the country, that the police tags of ‘POLICE IS YOUR FRIEND’ OR ‘BAIL IS FREE’ would have their true meanings.

I have a dream that one day Nigerians, both the leading and the led would have respect for the law, out of patriotism and love for the country, a dream that Nigeria would have discipline leaders who would be leading by example, a dream that Nigeria would one day become a discipline and decent country.
I have a dream that one day Nigeria would prosper in peace and tranquility, a dream that terrorism, banditry and militancy would vanish, a dream that a person could travel to any part of the country, feeling secured.

Finally, I have a dream that Nigeria would regain her lost glory and pride and take her right place in the world stage.

Related Topics:

Opinion

BATTLE OF THE TITANS: CAN MUHAMMAD GARBA CONFRONT IBRAHIM WAIYA – “THE RAVE OF THE MOMENT?

Published

1 day ago

on

June 22, 2026

By

 

By Shariff Aminu Ahlan

Modern politics is more than a contest for power. It tests strategy, loyalty, competence, and performance.

That test is playing out in Kano State, as Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, is now the focus of debate over leadership and results. He is being compared with his predecessor, Muhammad Garba.

In comparison, however, who among them has the vision to take Kano’s communication forward? This is the question that is on the lips of every Kano citizen

For Muhammad Garba, he run the Information Ministry for good eight years, yet a fair comparison with Waiya’s one and a half years would certainly outshine his record. The debate pits him against his predecessor, Muhammad Garba, who ran the ministry for 8 years.

Let’s look at the record, in just over 18 months, Waiya has made the Ministry of Information one of the most vibrant and active in the state, through innovative communication, public engagement, and clear dissemination of government activities.

Advert

But even at that, a push is building intensely, urging the State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf to replace him. Critics are up at tarnishing his reputation, just for personal gain.

Garba’s supporters cite his experience, unionism, and long tenure, while Waiya’s supporters point to one thing: outstanding performance.
Of course, Waiya may be new in the Communication sector, but leadership is better judged by impact, not years in office. In a short time, Waiya’s work has earned him public attention and the tag “rave of the moment.”

This is why, what is playing out in Kano, is just a contest of “experience vs momentum”. Garba brings 8 years of institutional knowledge, while Waiya brings energy, innovation, and visible results.

The value of this debate isn’t rivalry. It’s policy evaluation. Concerned citizens are of the view that, as a way forward, a public exchange would let both men state their vision, defend their record, and show their plans for the ministry.

Kano people would benefit most. They deserve facts, not sentiment. The public can also judge who has the clearer vision and stronger strategy to help Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf communicate the achievements of his administration and deliver his agenda. The time now, is not for politicking or for the promotion of personal goals, but rather for concrete strategies that will pave the way for Governor Abba’s reelection in 2027.

For Waiya, it’s a chance to prove that leadership is all about vision and results, not just longevity. For Garba, it’s a chance to remind the public of his contributions and explain what he left undone in 8 years.

So the questions are simple: Are both men ready for a battle of ideas? Can Garba’s experience beat Waiya’s momentum? Or will Waiya’s record cement his place as one of this administration’s most effective commissioners?

Now that 2027 is almost around the corner, these questions will certainly shape Kano politics.
The stage is set. The public is watching the unfolding scenario between “acclaimed experience” and momentum. As the State progress, only time will tell.
Let the battle of ideas begin.

Shariff Aminu Ahlan
APC Intellectual Warrior.
Realahlan0101@gmail.com

Continue Reading

Opinion

Let The Records Speak: Comrade Mohammed Garba, Comrade Waiya And The Future of Kano’s Information Ministry

Published

2 days ago

on

June 22, 2026

By

 

By Tijjani Sarki
June 21, 2026

Recent calls for the reappointment of Hon. Muhammad Garba as Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs has sparked debate in Kano State. His supporters point to his eight years of service and describe him as an experienced professional whose return would benefit the government.

While I respect that view, I believe an important question deserves an answer, after serving for eight years in the same office, what exactly remains unfinished that necessitates a return?

This is not an attempt to diminish Hon. Garba’s contributions. Rather, it is a call for an objective assessment of performance. Public office should be judged by results, not sentiment.
Recent public discussions have repeatedly portrayed Hon. Muhammad Garba as a “professional,” as though that designation alone settles the debate. I respectfully disagree. Professionalism is not defined by the length of time spent in office, nor does it automatically flow from occupying a position for many years. It is reflected in innovation, measurable achievements, institutional growth, responsiveness to public concerns, and the capacity to deliver results. If professionalism is truly the benchmark, then the public deserves a fair comparison of records and accomplishments rather than a reliance on reputation or years of service. The debate, therefore, should be anchored on evidence, not labels.

Advert

Instead of focusing on political developments, I suggest that Kano people compare records. Hon. Muhammad Garba had eight years to lead the ministry. Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya has had barely one and a half years. Yet within that short period, many observers have noted renewed activity within the ministry, especially in the often-overlooked Internal Affairs Department that was hitherto inactive and relegated to the background thereby rendering it dead by previous administrations until Waiya came in and salvaged the department from strangulation.

I have seen greater public engagement and a more visible ministry under the current leadership. Whether one agrees with every action taken by Waiya or not, the ministry appears more active and connected to the public.

For this reason, I would welcome an open public debate between the two Comrades. Let them present their achievements, challenges, and vision. The Ministry of Information is not only critical and central to governance rather it is at the same time the voice of government and should be led by the person best positioned to serve the public interest with commitment, dignity, competence and capacity.

Let the records speak. Let the people judge.

Tijjani Sarki writes from Kano and can be reached via responsivecitizensinitiative@gmail.com.

Continue Reading

Opinion

The Unsung Guardians of Nigeria’s Prosperity-Edekhe Glorious Maria

Published

3 days ago

on

June 21, 2026

By

 

By Edekhe Glorious Maria

In the grand narrative of Nigeria’s quest for economic self-reliance and sustainable development, popular discourse frequently centers on fiscal policies, central banking reforms, and foreign direct investments. Yet, the finest policy frameworks remain mere ink on paper without a robust mechanism to police the entryways of commerce. Standing resolutely at this critical intersection of trade, finance, and defense is the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). Far from being a mere tax collection agency, the modern NCS functions as the quintessential bulwark of our economic sovereignty and a premier shield guarding national security.
To fully appreciate Nigeria’s survival and resilience within a highly volatile global market, one must look closely at the unsung guardians keeping watch over our borders, seaports, and airports.
The Economic Bedrock: Fueling the Machinery of State
In an era where volatile oil revenues demand aggressive fiscal diversification, the financial contributions of the Nigeria Customs Service have transformed from a supportive budget buffer into an absolute lifeline for the federation.
Under the reform-minded leadership of Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Service has consistently shattered its own revenue records. In recent fiscal cycles, the NCS smashed historic expectations by generating unprecedented trillions of naira in revenue comfortably surpassing its initial treasury projections. This momentum has carried fiercely into recent quarters, with non-oil export processing volumes revealing massive year-on-year surges in value. These trillions of naira flow directly into the Federation Account, funding critical public infrastructure, healthcare, education, and public sector operations nationwide.
Beyond raw revenue generation, the NCS acts as the ultimate protector of local industries. Without the tactical enforcement of import prohibitions and anti-dumping regulations by customs officers, Nigeria’s fragile agricultural and manufacturing sectors would be utterly overwhelmed by cheap, subsidized foreign goods.
When customs officers intercept shipments of smuggled rice, expired pharmaceuticals, or contraband textiles, they are not merely enforcing paperwork. They are actively saving Nigerian jobs, keeping local factories open, and preserving the structural integrity of the Naira.
The Border Shield: Where Trade Meets National Security
In the contemporary global landscape, the threats to a nation’s survival are asymmetric, fluid, and deeply intertwined with international trade routes. Herein lies the dual nature of the modern customs officer: a facilitator of trade by day, and a frontline defense asset by night.
The proliferation of small arms, light weapons, and illicit narcotics across West Africa represents a clear and present danger to Nigeria’s internal stability. The NCS stands as the first ,and often most effective,line of defense against these lethal inflows.
Multi-billion naira intercepts at strategic flashpoints across Lagos, Port Harcourt, and land borders have successfully kept military-grade rifles, pistols, and live ammunition out of the hands of bandits and insurgent networks. Simultaneously, large-scale seizures of tramadol, codeine, and illegal synthetic substances actively dismantle the financing chains of criminal syndicates while protecting Nigerian youth from the scourge of drug abuse.
Furthermore, customs operations directly suppress resource economic sabotage. The rapid interception and enforcement around smuggled petroleum products (PMS) block economic saboteurs from starving local communities of critical fuel supplies and bleeding the national economy dry.
Modernization and the Future of Border Management
The victories of the NCS are not accidental. They are the direct result of a deliberate, ongoing transformation toward digital trade facilitation anchored by the comprehensive Nigeria Customs Service Act.
Through the implementation of advanced technology, such as automated risk-assessment systems, the expansion of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) scheme, and advanced Time Release Study (TRS) diagnostic tools, the Service is rapidly reducing human interface, cutting down cargo clearing times, and plugging revenue leakages. This structural evolution ensures that the dual mandate of the Service remains perfectly balanced: legitimate trade is accelerated to boost economic growth, while illicit trade is ruthlessly intercepted.
Conclusively recognizing the Sentinels at the gate; The sovereignty of a nation is defined by its ability to control its borders and dictate its economic destiny. For Nigeria, that awesome responsibility rests heavily on the shoulders of the officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service. They operate in high-risk environments, facing down heavily armed smuggling cartels and navigating complex maritime and land entryways, often without the public adulation reserved for other security arms.

Advert

As Nigeria marches toward a more prosperous future under the banners of industrialization and regional integration via the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the NCS will remain our most vital institutional shield.

It is time to rewrite the public narrative. The Nigeria Customs Service must be recognized for what it truly is: a patriotic, highly strategic, and indispensable cornerstone of Nigeria’s prosperity, national security, and enduring sovereignty.

Continue Reading

Trending