It is indeed strange and absurd that Transparency International has chosen a time like this to release what many Nigerians consider a ‘’fake rating’’ on corruption in Nigeria. For an administration that hinged its philosophy of governance on key areas of fight against corruption, revival of the nation’s economy and security, it is mind-boggling that a foreign agency without adequate presence in Nigeria will concoct some negative figures and ascribe them to the ranking of Nigeria in the corruption index.
Firstly, if we are to go by the huge amounts of money already recovered from past government officials and their collaborators we can conveniently reach the conclusion that the Buhari/ Osinbajo administration has delivered in this area.
Secondly, under this administration the consciousness has been created corruption is not and cannot be a way of life, and Nigerians are gradually coming to terms with the reality. Before the emergence of this administration it was free for all and the country was on a rudderless slip to the precipice on account of prevalence of corruption in official circles. I believe that if the momentum which the administration has already created in the fight against corruption is sustained, then the country will be the ultimate beneficiary.
The Buhari/Osinbajo administration had taken some deliberate measure to curb corruption in the country. For example the use of treasury single account in the collection of federal government revenue has greatly helped to plug the loopholes which enabled people with corrupt tendencies to short-change the country. Similarly the introduction of the bank verification number has also reduced fraudulent activities in our financial institutions to the barest minimum.
President Buhari and Vice President Osinbajo have also shown leadership by example by ensuring that the institutions of the state are allowed to function according to established rules and regulations. This has eliminated any undue influence on the officials of government.
Therefore, it came to many Nigerians and friends alike as a shocker the unfounded and unverified report by the Transparency International that Nigeria’s ranking in corruption was rising rather than decreasing. This report runs contrary to common sense and rational thinking considering the commitment of the Buhari administration to eliminate it from our body-politic.
One is at a loss at the indices used in arriving at the conclusion, since it is common knowledge that this is one area the global community has severally applauded the administration. Just recently the African Union officially recognised President Muhammadu Buhari as the champion of fight against corruption in the continent and for Transparency International to deliver what many people consider a questionable verdict seems like living in denial.
Lest we forget before President Buhari assumed office corruption was the order of the day as the previous PDP administrations failed to address it as a national malaise, and the negative effects are today showing in the level of poverty and infrastructural decay the country is contending with. Gladly President Muhammadu Buhari is focussed on addressing it once and for all times for the good of all Nigerians.
By Chukwudi Enekwechi
An Abuja Based Journalist
