According to the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary of Current English, the word “Corrupt” simply means immoral, impure, dishonest, depraved, et cetera.
All that is western world grammar (no offence meant), which is his idea of the phenomenon called corruption. Here in Africa “Nigeria,” it means much more than mere words, it simply is a “way of life”—the only way.
Ayi Kwei Armah’s “The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born” throws up a valid argument. His lead character, “the Man” had asked How long will Africa “Nigeria” be cursed with its leaders? There were men dying daily from loss of hope (hunger and poverty…measured in terms of knowing what to eat the next morning) and others were finding gaudy ways to enjoy power they did not have…Fat and Cynical with eating of centuries of power they had never struggled for.
Good question indeed. Are we truly cursed? The best answer to this question would be Yes and No. Why? Is it not a known fact that followers eventually become leaders?
Corruption is not only a leadership or elite syndrome it is a societal problem. It is a continuous cycle of insincerity on the part of followers and leaders. It is deep-rooted on our system. It starts from individuals to families, houses of worship, to schools, to offices on and on till it reaches the leadership.
It is no longer news the kind of despicable practices that go on in our higher institution all in the name of good degrees. A situation which involves cash payments and the engagement of other performance enhancing factors for success in examinations, like the hiring of mercenaries to write papers as witnessed in JAMB, WASSCE and the likes.
In tough times like these, churches that used to preach morals and holiness have become messengers of prosperity, good transition I must say (not a good idea to be left behind). We at least heard the hotel story. At the time of the event, it was considered a blessing to the church, a typical case of misplaced objectives and the power of money.
At various bus-stops, a lot of companies have been incorporated into our society. No one can deny knowledge of the presence of touts collecting toll from hapless bus drivers and the popular “Okada” riders. I dare say they are fronting for those who swore to uphold the law, those whose fundamental duties are to protect life and property, safeguard our rights. Where are they when you need them, it’s either ‘fuel no dey,’ ‘driver don comot,’ or ‘bullet don finish.’ A simple refusal to part with 20 fibre (as Naira is called) by an aggrieved citizen results in an accidental discharge.
The judicial system is riddled with a lot of dramatis personae. Laws are interpreted to justify the action of certain untouchables. Pronouncements are made to sound like a rehearsed line in a blockbuster play. Cases, which ought to elicit the involvement of the judiciary, are termed family affair and rightly so the judiciary goes to bed. Only God knows whose script they are acting and in whose favour verdicts are given, the just or the unjust?
The various allegations against some state governors and key political figures show that this country is rife with corruption. Yes many claim such stories are unfounded and that they are the handiwork of political detractors. How true is this? There’s no smoke without fire the wise say. But we all know how the stories usually end, just another family brouhaha.
Ministries, parastatals are all thickly involved in the running battle against corruption. EFCC (Enhanced Financial Crime Code), ICPC (Informative Code for Public Corruption), Due Process (Embezzle legally) and others were established in the name of this fight. The Anti-corruption bill was also designed for the same purpose.
We know how much has been sunk into these ventures. We recognize this type of dealings when we see them. They are just ways to refine and improve the efficiency of the corrupt.
Ayi Kwei Armeh’s “the Man” enlightened us on how there was so much noise about some investigation designed to rid the country “Nigeria” of corruption. Designed by whom? For whom? Where we the people in power who were incorrupt themselves? The net had been made in a special way (immunity clause) that allowed the really big corrupt people pass through it. A net to catch only the small dispensable fellows trying in anguished blindness to leap and attain comfort “the only way” it could be done. And the big ones floated free like the slogan “End Bribery and Corruption.” How ironical?
An escape from the inevitable decay of life and its eventual disintegration would be an unimaginable thing “the Man” went on to say. But if a man must lead a life of integrity, he must learn to say no to “the only way.” He should dare to achieve through the right ways that are corrupt-free and dignifying. He should learn to live with the antagonism and stigma that comes with this choice. He should be ready to be called “CHICHIDODO”—the bird that hates shit with its soul but feeds on the worms—not only by friends, but also by loved ones. He must dare to differ.
It is a clear issue that the onus is ours collectively. No one person can win the battle without the support of his people. We all must stand against this dreadful disease that threatens our existence as a people.
I however disagree with Ayi kwei Armeh on one small issue, that is, “The Beautyful Ones Are Here,” they are biding their time.
