Corruption In All Sector's; The Root Causes Of Stagnant Democracy And The JeJune State Of The Nation.

CORRUPTION IN ALL SECTORS; THE ROOT CAUSE OF STAGNANT DEMOCRACY AND THE JEJUNE STATE OF THE NATION.

BY: COMRADE ADEGBEYENI OLUWAFEMI (BARRYFEM)

A man once said that corruption has no source and it's as old as man. Corruption is a term that has various and no general definition  corruption. We may simply define it as a form of dishonesty or criminal offence undertaken by a person or body in a position of authority or power to acquire personal gains and benefits.

For this work, we may also define corruption as the use of power by Government officials for illegitimate private gains.

It could be hypocritical and sentimental to limit the scope of this discuss to people in government and political offices. Apparently there is corruption in almost all sector and level in Nigeria.

The cause of the underdeveloped state of many sectors in the Nigeria society boils to corruption.

Just like the late Dora Akuyili(former minister in Nigeria) puts it; everything boils down to corruption and corruption is not just about giving or taking money, corruption is about not doing the right thing.

It's apt to say that many people in all sectors in Nigeria have been involved in one or two acts of corruption. Especially in the political sector, where we have too many corruption cases.

Mr Uzor Kalu was convicted for stealing 7.1billion when he was Abia state Governor. Colonel Sambo Dasuki , a former NSA was charged with missaprorpriation of $2.1b arms purchase funds in 2015.

Diezani Alison Madueke was charged with 13 counts of money laundering by the EFCC. She was alleged to have to have diverted $39.7m and #3.32b.

Maina Pension fraud of #2bn. Bukola Saraki the former Senate President was accused of false asset declaration. Femi Fani Kayode was charged with 17 count charges of money laundering. These and several other cases happened under the former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Even before the Former President Jonathan, since the inception of the republic, corruption cases have always come up in the past administrations. 

In 2015, President Muhamadu Buhari, a man who claimed to be an angel sent to fight and dash out corruption in Nigeria, won his election and till today nothing has changed about corruption. It continues in many sectors. President Muhamadu Buhari won his reelection bid and has almost used up his 8 years in power, yet corruption grows deeper in Nigeria.

One of the recent and greater corruption allegation was that of the country's accountant general, under President Muhamadu Buhari, who has been accused of diverting millions of dollars from government coffers. Ahmed Idris the Accountant general of Nigeria was recently arrested in connection with diversion of money and money laundering of 80 billion. He was also accused of owning many unknown properties apparently procured with the stolen money. It was reported that he diverted another round of billions! 

A whole accountant General who was expected to have integrity and honesty in dealing with National coffers, but reverse was the case. This is to show that the business of corruption by many corrupt minds has been thriving more than ever before in Government.

It would be partial if we only mention and accuse political(federal,state and local government) Thieves who stole national funds for the private gain. It's necessary to mention the corruption going on even in other sectors down to the general people.

From the grassroot to the top, corruption is thriving in this Nation. 

The People have always resorted to collecting bribe during election to sell out their votes in general election and even delegates election.

The recent Presidential Primary Election between the two biggest parties in Nigeria; APC&PDP were filled with vote buying where delegates shamelessly collect millions of Naira from the already shameless and corrupt candidates. And of course, the highest bidder won the election in both parties. 

Those delegates with no shame and good conscience for the future of Nigeria are the commoners! The mothers and fathers of the masses who resorted to selling the future of their children for some cash.

The worst one happen during Election where many Nigerians engaged themselves in Political bribery and corruption. They exchange their vote for peanuts money and suffer for years after electing bad leaders!

It's good to note that the length and breath of corruption defy any possible calculation or grasp. It's a National and international virus that has spread throughout its carriers who are corrupt People.

Corruption ranges from embezzlement, bribery,money laundering, extortion, human trafficking, misuse and abuse of office, tipping, lieing and so many forms it has.

There has been major cases, or traces or speculation of corruption in the Petroleum, Finance, security, oil and gas Agriculture and others.

High level of  Corruption has greatly hampered the growth of Democracy and the development in Nigeria. The Democracy which is supposed to be a government of the people, where the people decide and control by majority has been marred by selfish acts of the few people,many who have found themselves in power through dubious means and election rigging!

The minority in power resort to siphoning Public funds and starving the general masses! 

And the worst thing is that those ones embezzling Public money have turned themselves to gods that can't be questioned and are dictatorial which makes them worst than the military era that Democracy tends to wipe out.

A lot abnormalities; vote buying, violence, security men extorting money on highways, politically sponsored terrorism and sort of vices have make Nigeria remain still largely underdeveloped! 

If Nigeria must survive and develop, it's very important to put up a serious fight against corruption in all levels, sectors and from top to the grassroot in the nation.

There is a need for a good legal framework with stiff laws and harsh penalties against act of Corruption and corrupt People.

Also, there must be immediate Restructuring and Reformation of Public administration, finance and others sectors! 

It's also obvious that some Nigerian Politicians steal Public money with international aid and loot public money abroad. They keep Public money abroad and build luxuries abroad while leaving Nigeria shattered and underdeveloped.

Therefore, there is a need to stop/block international aids to corrupt People.

Transparency and honestly should be promoted and rewarded accordingly. 

In conclusion, the people must be sensitice  about the ills of corruption and the need to shun it. There must be empowerment for the citizens and benefits of Democracy should be enjoyed by them to stop corruption from grassroot to the top.

©COMR. ADEGBEYENI OLUWAFEMI (BARRYFEM)

Happy Democracy Day Nigerians: What You Needs To Know About Nigeria 🇳🇬 Democracy Day.

Happy Democracy Day Nigerians: What You Needs To  Know About Nigeria 🇳🇬  Democracy Day. 

"Democracy which is government of the people and for the people is being celebrated today. I pray that every abnormalities in our lives, towns and the country as a whole will be destroyed and forgotten completely, by God’s grace.

Let’s celebrate, we keep hope alive, Olamide 2023"

Democracy Day is June 12, a national public holiday in Nigeria. Until June 6, 2018, it was held annually on May 29. Democracy Day marks the day the military handed over power to an elected civilian government in 1999, marking the beginning of the longest continuous civilian rule since Nigeria's independence from colonial rule in 1960. It is a tradition that has been held annually, beginning in year 2000. June 12 was formerly known as Abiola Day, celebrated in Lagos, Nigeria and some south western states of Nigeria.

Nigeria's Democracy Day is a public holiday to commemorate the restoration of democracy in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. May 29 was initially the official democracy day in Nigeria, marking when the newly elected Olusegun Obasanjo took office as the President of Nigeria in 1999, ending multiple decades of military rule that began in 1966 and had been interrupted only by a brief period of democracy from 1979 to 1983.

On June 6, 2018, eight days after May 29, 2018 had been celebrated as Democracy Day, the President Buhari-led Federal Government of Nigeria declared June 12 to be the new Democracy Day.[1] Buhari gave his inaugural address for his second term on June 12, 2019. These were done to commemorate the democratic election of MKO Abiola on June 12, 1993, in what has been adjudged to be Nigeria's freest and fairest elections. It was, however, wrongly cancelled by the Ibrahim Babangida Junta. MKO Abiola was later detained after he rightfully declared himself the president.Chief MKO Abiola died mysteriously after drinking tea during the negotiation of his release. He started coughing in the presence of Kofi Annan and later died in the hospital. MKO promised the restoration of good governance in Nigeria.

Nigeria gained independence on 1st October, 1960 from Great Britain then Nigeria fell prey to the first of so many military coups on 15th of Jan 1966, and then, a civil war. Nigeria is therefore an emerging nation state, and we must be sure not to overlook the important difference between emerging democracies (which often are found in newly emerging states) and established democratic regimes existing in states with long traditions of uninterrupted sovereignty. The core of democracy is the principle of popular sovereignty, which holds that government can be legitimated only by the will of those whom it governs and thus it can be understood why a military coup may not be seen as a democratic regime, and during these times Nigeria was not a democratic state.

For most of its independent history, Nigeria was ruled by a series of military juntas, interspersed by brief moments of democratic rule, for example from 1979 to 1983 with Alhaji Shehu Shagari. The last major military ruler was Gen. Sani Abacha, who died suddenly in 1998. His successor, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar promised a transition to democracy, and accordingly a new constitution was adopted on May 5th, 1999. Elections were held and retired Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo, who had previously governed Nigeria as a military ruler, was elected the new president.

The end of military rule brought about a new era of regular elections as well as the return of civil liberties, free press and an end to arbitrary arrests and torture, although human rights violations still occur regularly. Nigeria also began a long campaign against the bureaucratic and military corruption that had paralyzed its economy and severely tarnished its international reputation.

The Nigerian Democracy Day theme song was written by Attih Soul on the directives of the Buhari led administration in 2017 as part of the celebration to mark the day.

Akinwumi Olamide James, a writer, public relations specialist, trained journalist and a blogger

Akinwumiolamide09@gmail.com 

09068215955

SDP Supporters Molests Motorists, Passengers In Ifaki Ekiti.

SDP Supporters Molests Motorists, Passengers  In Ifaki Ekiti.

Touts and Okada riders supporting the candidate of the Social Democratic Party in Ekiti State today molested motorists plying the Ifaki to Ado road this morning.

The youths numbering about  50 were seen threatening people they suspect not supporting Asiwaju Segun Oni and occupants of vehicles were not spared.

This correspondent alongside other passengers in  the vehicle were threatened and and asked the party they belong to.

It took the intervention of the policemen who were at the scene  to pacify the the young men mostly Okada riders  that the occupants of the vehicle were travellers and not party men and women.

One of the touts attempted to  snatch  a phone and some were banging on  the vehicle bonnets.
It took the efforts of some elderly people and the officers of the law to plead for the passengers .

Shattered glasses  were seen on the ground in evidence of that some people might have been attacked or molested as well.

41 Year Old Okada Man Caught while Stealing Bags of Charcoal

41 Year Old Okada Man Caught while Stealing Bags of Charcoal
By: Idowu Adebomi

Mr. Paul with the stolen charcoals 

The residents of Olagunju Ajayi street off new WAEC road Omolayo street Ado Ekiti  this morning caught a  42 year old man while stealing bags of charcoal  in the area.

The man who claimed to be an Okada rider was caught around 3:00Am by residents after a man who had come out to ease himself raised an alarm. The man reportedly held on to him and people coming from church vigil joined him in preventing his escape.

According to an eye witness  who simply gave her name as Iya Gold told this correspondent that  a neighbor raised the alarm and luckily some people coming from vigil joined him to prevent his escape.

On interrogation Mr. Paul who would not disclose where he lived said he resides in Ado Ekiti and is into the commercial motorcycling business popularly known as Okada.

The suspect confessed he had already made away with 3 sacks and was on his third trip before luck ran out on him.

The Landlords and Elders in the street prevailed on the youths from lynching him while his cell phone was used to call his wife who came crying.

The visibly ashamed wife paid for the sacks of the  charcoal and pleaded that he be released to her. The suspect was later allowed to go after much pleadings by his wife.

Aare Afe Babalola received Distinguished Medical Vanguard Award

Encomiums as Aare Afe Babalola Bags NMA Topmost Award
....I am Inspired to do more for humanity - Afe Babalola.

Aare Afe Babalola received the Distinguished Medical Vanguard Award.

The founder of Afe Babalola university, (ABUAD) Aare Afe Babalola has received the Distinguished Medical Vanguard Award (DMVA) from the Nigeria Medical Association NMA Ekiti State Branch.

The Award which is the most recognized and highest ranked in the medical field for non medical practitioners is given to Individuals who has contributed immensely to the growth of health care .

The event held at the Alfa Begore Hall in the university premises on 9th June 2022,  witnessed a huge turn out of medical practitioners and other invited dignitaries who came from far and near to celebrate with the legal luminary.

The NMA chairman in Ekiti state Dr Kayode Ariyibi in his address described the Legal Icon as an asset to Ekiti State and the nation at large.

According to Dr. Kayode, the award is the most coveted of the 3 awards in the medical profession which is  given out to personalities who has distinguished themselves in the medical society despite not being a medical practitioner themselves.

M- Aare Afe Babalola in action with officials of Nigeria Medical Association NMA Ekiti State Branch during Jersey presentation 

He maintained that Aare Afe Babalola is the first recipient of the award since the establishment of the association 25 years ago.
" This award is in line with the constitution of the Nigeria Medical Association to recognise, celebrate and encourage individuals who took health care as priority. The  physical and infrastructural facilities which is evident in ABUAD multi system hospital and the contributions to the economic growth of the state by creating massive employment deserves commendation.

Article 16 section 22 of the NMA constitution empowers the association to give out this award to deserving individuals and it is notable that Aare Afe Babalola is the first recipient of this award" he said.

Earlier the Vice Chancellor of the Institution, Professor Smaranda Olarinde in her  presentation extol the virtues of the founder while she took time to explain the growth of the ABUAD hospital which includes  medical facilities, Industrial park and other investments in the institution.
"She was of the opinion that the institution recently ranked as one of the 400 best universities in the world by a US based Educational Organization is setting the pace and  economic goals.
She therefore, thanked the NMA for deeming it fit to honour the founder  whom she describes as a man who has passion for humanitarian services."

The Legal Icon flanked by his wife Yeye Aare  was thereafter decorated with NMA Jersey and presented with a  Plaque, Medallion and a glass portrait  of the founder to the admiration of the audience.
The award was then  presented by the NMA Chairman and ably assisted by Professor J.O Sanya and Dr. Omole.

Responding, the awardee Aare Afe Babalola thanked the NMA for recognizing his efforts and celebrating him for what he has been able to achieve.
He said, "I was happy to  counter the belief of the white men who called Africa a black continent and so think the black community cannot do anything for themselves."

He lamented the huge amount of money spent on servicing debts and medical trips  by the Nigeria government officials while calling on the government to look inwards in solving the challenges facing the nation.
" If you want Success, it must start from your home. I am proud that the NMA is taking note of what we are doing here , I am inspired and moved. For someone who use to sleep on Banana leaves to this point of stepping on marbles. I keep saying to myself why me? How did I do it? But God in his infinite mercy gave me good health"He concluded.
In attendance were the representative of the commissioner for Health in Ekiti State, Dr. Odunayo from the NMA Board of Trustees in Abuja,Professor J.O Sanya a former NMA chairman, Resident Doctors chairman, Dr. Olaniyi Olaoye and Dr.  K.S Adeniyi and others who graced the event.

FAYEMI RECEIVES HERO’S WELCOME IN EKITI.

….. Says Tinubu's ’S 2023 Victory Will Begin From Ekiti.

…Buhari, Tinubu, Adamu, Other's To Storm Ado-Ekiti For Guber Campaign 

Ekiti State Governor and Presidential Aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Kayode Fayemi, received a hero’s welcome on Wednesday on his return to Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, after the party’s Special Convention and presidential primary.

A large crowd of enthusiastic party supporters, artisans and commercial motorbike riders received Dr Fayemi at Igbara-Odo, a border town between Ekiti and Ondo State with songs and drumming and followed him to the Fajuyi Pavillion, Ado-Ekiti, where another large crowd had converged to receive the Governor with “Fayemi for Nigeria” slogans.

Dr Fayemi who was one of the leading aspirants of the party had stepped down for the eventual winner, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and urged the state delegates and his supporters across the states to vote for the former Lagos State Governor during the APC primary.

Addressing party supporters at the rally, Dr Fayemi said the unity of the country was a major consideration for him in taking the decision to step down for Asiwaju Tinubu, whom he described as a leader, mentor and a great fighter for democracy and Nigeria. 

Dr Fayemi disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari, the APC Presidential flagbearer, Asiwaju Tinubu, the party’s National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, APC governors and other critical stakeholders will be in Ado-Ekiti next Tuesday for the party’s mega rally in support of the Ekiti State Governorship Candidate, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.

He said the APC will win the June 18 governorship election in the state convincingly and use it as a springboard for the many electoral victories that would follow at the state and national level.

He said the electoral victory of the party’s presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Tinubu will start from the success of the party in the coming Ekiti gubernatorial election.

The Governor who gave an insight into his decision to step down for Asiwaju Tinubu at the APC Convention, said his action at the convention was honourable and expected of a typical Ekiti man to support intentions geared towards the progress and prosperity of the region. He said he was happy over the outcome of the convention, adding that it has further strengthened and solidified the unity and cohesion of the party against predictions from some quarters that the APC would collapse at the convention.

He thanked all Ekiti traditional rulers, Ekiti elders, party members and Ekitis home and abroad for their unalloyed support for his presidential aspiration. He also charged party members, people of the state and lovers of Ekiti to work assiduously for the election of Mr Oyebanji, the APC candidate in the June 18 election.

He said: “There can be victory in what appears to be a loss. There can be success in what others call failure. We had to act in unity and cohesion for the manifest destiny of Nigeria to arrive, for the unity of Nigeria to be consolidated and for the success of our party to be whole.

“Before we went into the convention, the story was that APC will collapse, that we will come out of the convention in smattering, that everything will go haywire. We have come out of our convention stronger, victorious and better  consolidated.  We have come out of our convention energised to ensure that the ‘poverty developers party’ do not come back either in Ekiti or in Nigeria and all other pretenders who are running helter-skelter, pretending that they have what it takes to govern, they will meet their waterloo right from June 18 right to the presidential election in March 2023, and we shall win and we shall be victorious.”

Oyebanji Congratulates Tinubu, Extols Fayemi's Leadership Qualities.

The Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress ( APC), Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has congratulated the National leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his victory at the party’s Presidential primary Wednesday, in Abuja.

Oyebanji, in a congratulatory message, described Asiwaju Tinubu’s election as APC Presidential flagbearer as a signal for a brighter future for the party, adding that the victory was well deserved.

The APC Governorship Candidate also commended Ekiti State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors' Forum, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi, for his purposeful leadership and demonstrated commitment and sacrifice for the progress of the ruling party.

Oyebanji described Asiwaju Tinubu's victory as a well-deserved honour for a leader who has paid his dues and sacrificed a lot for the party's growth and electoral fortunes.

"The APC Presidential Primary election is, without doubt, a turning point in our collective resolve as a party to consolidate on the achievement of President Muhamadu Buhari achievement. I congratulate our leader, Asiwaju Tinubu for coming out victorious in the election.

" From any angle one chooses to look at it, Asiwaju Tinubu's victory is not by accident, considering his years of great and strategic contributions to human capital development and his sacrifice for the party. With his emergence, one can be sure of a brighter future for our party.

While congratulating other presidential aspirants that participated in the contest for their courage and patriotism, Oyebanji specifically hailed Governor Fayemi for sacrificing his aspiration for the unity of the party at a very crucial hour and for directing Ekiti State delegates and his supporters across the states to vote for Asiwaju Tinubu at the convention. 

" Governor Fayemi has, by this token, again, demonstrated he is a pragmatic leader and a true Omoluabi, who can be trusted".

Raheem Akingbolu 

Media Assistant