Sparing no one in corruption eradication

To test the sincerity of corruption eradication campaign check if some people or offices are untouchable. Any anti- corruption campaign that does not believe or demonstrate that taking a good bath should start from the head is a suspect, at least from my perspective and I believe from most other people's perspectives as well.

I was so encouraged when I read about the probe of Jacob Zumba, the South African president for diversion of public funds for personal use. The Guardian of November 10, 2014 stated that this president is being investigated on allegations of using public funds to refurbish his personal estate. Kudoos to our South African parliamentarians and police; and please ensure you do a good job of this as a shining example to other corrupt leaders in our societies.

I am particularly encouraged because this is happening in Africa where most of the leaders appear immuned against any anti-corruption campaigns. The impunitive corrupt practices of leaders, especially political leaders in Africa is so shameful and unbelievable in contemporary society. What can you say of the inability of the local judiciary to convict the former governor of Delta state in Nigeria but only to later get easily convicted and jailed in a foreign land for similar offences.

But wait a minute, why are the parliamentarians in other African nations not able to challenge the corrupt practices of their various leaders, including their president, even when it is publicly evident that they are corrupt or condole corruption? Oops! how can they when their hands are as soiled as the leaders or rulers they should be checking. The check and balances within the governmental organs we used to learn about in our high school government and scoial studies classes have long been thrown overboard to create room for the new era of go into the houses and grab as much as you can. Unfortunately, though the electorates are aware of this highlevel of corruption, they feel helpless and mostly now sing the song of if you cannot beat them you join them. This trend continues to fuel the viscous cycle of corruption in our societies.

The big question is, how do we put an end to this nonesense, and break the cycle to ensure it is discontinued? There are two things we must do: pray to God for help, and two take actions immediately, because faith without work is dead faith (even according to the scriptures). The action could be taken by a committed leader (see my ealier blog, how committed are you); or by the people through peaceful continuous and consistent out pouring demonstrations and or through the bailot. Burkina Faso just recently outster their corrupt and long over due president through peaceful demonstration. For the bailot approach, Nigerian's 2015 election is at the corner, please the Nigerians should seize this opportunity again to act. This is not a political blog, and so there is no preference for any political party or individual here. l will however strongly advice that at least the elite electorates should ensure they critically and sincerely examine the various candidates, set outside immediate personal selfish gains but put the welfare of the masses and the nation before them. Vote for the candidate you think will most likely be able and willing to fight and eradicate corruption in our society. Thanks Adeola the presenter of Keeping'it Real for a good start on the analysis of the past pros and cons of some of the Nigerian presidential aspirants, in one of the Keeping Real series uploaded to youtube on October 20, 2014. I believe these candidates should be made to come for several debates and tell us who they have been, who they are and what they have for the country. Also see my earlier blog post on Vote for Corruption Eradication, and How Committed are you. These should be a pointer to the areas of focus in determing who we should be voting for, not only at the presidential and federal level, but at the state and local government levels as well.

Not all police officers are corrupt

Not all policemen are corrupt, at least not all the time. I was very impressed and infact excited and encouraged that all hope is not lost to corruption in our nations, by the gallant performance of a police officer who went on a rescue mission alone.

As reported by a Nigerian newspaper, Leadership Newspaper, on November 6, 2014, one miss Jessica Albah was attacked and bruised by four hoodlums at Berger Bridge in Abuja, Nigeria. When she managed to escape with tourned cloths she reported her ordeal to a lone policeman whom she met at a near by check point just as she was running away from the hoodlums. The lone officer responded immediately and was able to shoot one and arrest the other attackers who were still busy ransacking Jessica's bag at the Spot where they had attacked her. Kudos to our officer; you represent what the community expects of every security officer. Your swift response without excuses or any superior directive, and without seeking immediate personal gains, as is often the case for corrupt officers, is highly commendable. It would have be very nice if your name was published along with the story, but I believe for security reasons it was not.

However, just know that whoever and wherever you are, your good work is highly appreciated by men and God. Keep up the good work officer! I call on other security personnel to emulate this in policing and soldiering our communities and nations.