Civil Servants are the Engine Room of Corruption in Nigeria – Abayomi Odunowo.
Civil servants have undoubtedly played a major role in the destruction of Nigeria. The recent case of a road project, where the minister of works discovered that over N30 billion had been paid for substandard work, is just one example of how civil servants facilitate corruption in the country.
The minister’s anger and frustration at finding out that clay was being used instead of laterite to build the road’s substructure highlights the systemic issues within the civil service. The fact that the minister had queried and advised the workers multiple times, yet the malpractice continued, is a stark indication of the level of impunity and negligence that exists within the civil service.
Civil servants are the agents of the government, entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring that projects are executed in line with the highest standards and that public funds are used judiciously. However, as evidenced by this road project, they have allowed corruption to thrive by either turning a blind eye to malpractices or actively participating in them.
Their complicity in corrupt practices not only enables politicians to siphon public funds but also emboldens contractors to engage in fraudulent activities. This cycle of corruption is perpetuated by civil servants who have become the enablers of Nigeria’s downfall.
It is high time for a radical overhaul of the civil service and for stringent measures to be put in place to hold civil servants accountable for their actions. Only then can Nigeria begin to rebuild and restore trust in its government institutions.
It is a common phenomenon in Nigeria for individuals to live above their means while blaming the president for the economic woes of the country. However, it is important to acknowledge that the responsibility for financial mismanagement and corruption lies not only with the president, but also with the citizens themselves.
When a person earns N200,000 monthly and yet drives a vehicle worth N7 million, and his/her spouse drives a vehicle worth N5 million, it is evident that their lifestyle does not align with their income. Add to that two children in private schools in Nigeria and the other two schooling abroad, and it becomes clear that their expenses far exceed their earnings.
Blaming the president for such a situation is a convenient excuse that deflects attention from personal responsibility. The reality is that corruption and financial mismanagement permeate all levels of Nigerian society. It is not just the president who is at fault, but also ordinary individuals who engage in corrupt practices and live extravagant lifestyles at the expense of the masses.
Instead of pointing fingers at the president, it is crucial for Nigerians to reflect on their own actions and attitudes towards finances. Only when individuals take responsibility for their own financial decisions can the country begin to address the pervasive issue of corruption and financial mismanagement.
The actualization of beautiful roads in our cars, houses, and children’s schools abroad is a clear reflection of the desire for comfort and luxury in our lives. We expect our cars to glide smoothly on well-maintained roads, our houses to be adorned with the finest of amenities, and our children to be educated in top-notch schools. Similarly, we expect beautiful hospitals in palatial buildings, with numerous cars parked inside, to cater to all our healthcare needs.
However, the stark reality is that while we revel in the beauty and opulence of our surroundings, we often overlook the deplorable state of the public infrastructure that connects these spaces. We drive our beautiful cars out of our beautiful houses only to be greeted by pothole-ridden and poorly-maintained roads that we refuse to invest in. We have built exquisite roads inside our cars and houses, but have neglected the need for well-constructed and maintained public roads.
It is easy to blame the government for the sorry state of affairs, but it is imperative to recognize that without the connivance of civil servants, elected officials would not be able to siphon funds from the system. It is a collective responsibility to ensure that the infrastructure, including roads, is developed and upheld to the highest standards. In the end, the beauty of our surroundings will be truly realized when it is complemented by well-maintained public infrastructure.
Corruption is a cancer that is eating away at the fabric of our society. It is a pervasive problem that affects all aspects of our lives, from the way our government is run to the way our businesses operate. It has become so ingrained in our culture that it is almost impossible to imagine a Nigeria without corruption. However, it is essential that we take a stand against this insidious practice and work towards building a better future for ourselves and our children.
They tell me that corrupt people elect corrupt officials who appoint corrupt ministers and corrupt directors general and executive secretaries, who are supported by corrupt politicians to steal money from the country and make life difficult for the very people that elected them in the first place. In essence, we are trapped in a never-ending cycle of corruption, with no way out. It is as if our society has become a revolving door of dishonesty and deceit, with no end in sight.
But why not just change our name to “Corruption Enterprise Unlimited”? After all, that seems to be the direction we are heading in. It is as if corruption has become our national identity, with everyone from the highest levels of government to the lowliest street vendor taking part in this corrupt enterprise. It is time for us to put an end to this madness and reclaim our identity as a nation that stands for truth, honesty, and integrity.
Corruption is not just a problem for the government or for the rich and powerful. It affects everyone, from the highest levels of society to the lowest. It is a cancer that is eating away at our nation, and we must take action to stop it.
Do you want to live in a society where corruption is the norm? Do you want to raise your children in a world where dishonesty and deceit are the order of the day? I didn’t think so. We must cultivate a burning desire to put an end to this madness and create a better future for ourselves and our children.
It is time for us to stand up and be counted. We must demand accountability from our leaders and hold them to a higher standard. We must work together to build a society that is free from corruption, where honesty and integrity are valued above all else. It will not be easy, but it is essential if we are to build a Nigeria that we can be proud of.
In conclusion, we are at a crossroads as a nation. We can continue down the path of corruption, or we can choose to take a stand and build a better future for ourselves and our children. The choice is ours, but we must act now before it is too late. Let’s put an end to Corruption Enterprise Unlimited and reclaim our identity as a nation that stands for truth, honesty, and integrity.
Otunba Abdulfalil Abayomi Odunowo
National Chairman AATSG
17th February, 2024.
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