Corruption is one of the biggest challenges crippling Nigeria. It is a known fact to every Nigerian that the level corruption is on the high side.
If you take a critical look, it is glaring that corruption has eaten deep into every sector, be it in the schools, offices, ministries and the list goes on. Be it a small or big sector, there is every possibility of observing corrupt practices.
In schools students offer bribe to pass their exams, lectures demand bribe from students. In the ministries, there is the ghost worker syndrome. In politics, one cannot even begin to count the number of corrupt cases against Nigerian politicians.
You see policemen extorting money from innocent citizens and some have been killed for refusing to give bribe. At the end of the day, the police calls it accidental discharge.
The menace of corruption rears its ugly head during elections, at the court of law, even the churches are not left out.
Nigeria has been ranked one of the most corrupt countries in the world.
Corruption can be interpreted by many people in many ways. We have heard a number of definitions from Nigerian politicians and some are quite appalling.
READ ALSO: Buhari’s Anti-Corruption War Is Too Slow – Ex-Governor
Below are some definitions.
President Muhammadu Buhari: The president defined corruption as the greatest form of human right violation.
He said: “For the masses of our people, the millions still wallowing in want and diseases, corruption is a major reason why they cannot go to school; why they cannot be gainfully employed; and why there are few doctors, nurses and drugs in their hospitals and health centers.
“It is the reason why pensioners are not paid and potable water is scarce.
“In effect, corruption diverts public resources meant for millions of people into the private pockets of a greedy few, thereby causing a lot of suffering, deprivation and death.
“In my view, there can be no greater violation of human rights.”
Goodluck Jonathan: The former president said that most of what is referred to as corruption is not really that at all. He said there is no corruption but mere stealing.
He said: “Over 70 percent of what are called corruption, even by EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) and other anti-corruption agencies is not corruption, but common stealing. Corruption is perception, not reality.”
Yemi Osinbajo: Not happy with what Jonathan said about corruption, the Vice President gave his own definition.
He said: “Corruption is defined as ‘dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, typically involving bribery’. The definition is simple and we all know what it is, yet Mr. President has spent the last several minutes of his media chat explaining to Nigerians what it is, suggesting we are all somehow confused about this.
“The GEJ presidency has failed Nigerians. The facts are undeniable. #ChangeWillCome”
Rotimi Amaechi: The former governor of Rivers state gave his own opinion of what corruption means. During his ministerial screening by the Senate on Thursday, October 22, 2015, Amaechi was asked to define corruption.
Here is what he said: “Corruption is difficult to define. If they send a girl to you to do something for her and you sleep with the girl, you are corrupt.
“Corruption is a very wide concept. If people are contesting a position and you offer your son, brother or sister an opportunity to hold that position, probably the person is not qualified, you are corrupt. So, it is difficult for me to define corruption.”
What is your own definition of corruption?
If you take a critical look, it is glaring that corruption has eaten deep into every sector, be it in the schools, offices, ministries and the list goes on. Be it a small or big sector, there is every possibility of observing corrupt practices.
In schools students offer bribe to pass their exams, lectures demand bribe from students. In the ministries, there is the ghost worker syndrome. In politics, one cannot even begin to count the number of corrupt cases against Nigerian politicians.
You see policemen extorting money from innocent citizens and some have been killed for refusing to give bribe. At the end of the day, the police calls it accidental discharge.
The menace of corruption rears its ugly head during elections, at the court of law, even the churches are not left out.
Nigeria has been ranked one of the most corrupt countries in the world.
Corruption can be interpreted by many people in many ways. We have heard a number of definitions from Nigerian politicians and some are quite appalling.
READ ALSO: Buhari’s Anti-Corruption War Is Too Slow – Ex-Governor
Below are some definitions.
President Muhammadu Buhari: The president defined corruption as the greatest form of human right violation.
He said: “For the masses of our people, the millions still wallowing in want and diseases, corruption is a major reason why they cannot go to school; why they cannot be gainfully employed; and why there are few doctors, nurses and drugs in their hospitals and health centers.
“It is the reason why pensioners are not paid and potable water is scarce.
“In effect, corruption diverts public resources meant for millions of people into the private pockets of a greedy few, thereby causing a lot of suffering, deprivation and death.
“In my view, there can be no greater violation of human rights.”
Goodluck Jonathan: The former president said that most of what is referred to as corruption is not really that at all. He said there is no corruption but mere stealing.
He said: “Over 70 percent of what are called corruption, even by EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) and other anti-corruption agencies is not corruption, but common stealing. Corruption is perception, not reality.”
Yemi Osinbajo: Not happy with what Jonathan said about corruption, the Vice President gave his own definition.
He said: “Corruption is defined as ‘dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, typically involving bribery’. The definition is simple and we all know what it is, yet Mr. President has spent the last several minutes of his media chat explaining to Nigerians what it is, suggesting we are all somehow confused about this.
“The GEJ presidency has failed Nigerians. The facts are undeniable. #ChangeWillCome”
Rotimi Amaechi: The former governor of Rivers state gave his own opinion of what corruption means. During his ministerial screening by the Senate on Thursday, October 22, 2015, Amaechi was asked to define corruption.
Here is what he said: “Corruption is difficult to define. If they send a girl to you to do something for her and you sleep with the girl, you are corrupt.
“Corruption is a very wide concept. If people are contesting a position and you offer your son, brother or sister an opportunity to hold that position, probably the person is not qualified, you are corrupt. So, it is difficult for me to define corruption.”
What is your own definition of corruption?
Comments
Post a Comment
Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in the comments are those of the comment writers alone and does not reflect or represent the views of Gee.
Contacts us with happenings around you on geeblog9@gmail.com and for your free event placement.