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About Time!

Published by toyin on Tagged Action, Corruption, Governannce, Nigeria

There is a powerful verse in the Bible that alludes to the fact that when people know that punishment for evil deeds are perpetually deferred; they set their minds to continue in wickedness. The last time any major politician ended up in jail was during the Buhari-Idiagbon regime when most politicians found themselves in various prisons across the country. The irony of it is that most of the people jailed in those days were politicians that really had no case to answer. This is a stark contrast to our current band of thieving rulers who have no idea of what governance is all about beyond the opportunity to loot the treasury and peddle influence. 

Having established watertight cases of corruption and abuse of office against many ex governors, the EFCC has found it even harder to bring prosecution to a close talk less of getting judgment.  Strange and very ridiculous injunctions are obtained from our courts to thwart the power of the constitution and delay justice. The meaning of Rule of Law has been turned upside down and so, many villains are walking free like heroes in our country. 

One could then imagine the surprise of many citizens when the news broke that Bode George had been convicted and jailed along five orders for corruption and unethical practices. The total amount involved is also mind-boggling; N85 Billion! It was both shocking and delighting; at last a big fish has been caught. The Judge who did the nation this honour is no other person than Justice Joseph Oyewole of the Lagos High Court who had given landmark judgments in the case of Emmanuel Nwude and Rev. King. 

Whether the sentence is commensurate with the crime is another thing entirely. The fact that a top notch of the ruling party could be sentenced to jail is a clear indication that ours is not a lost case. Nigeria, with men and women of integrity, people who have not sold their souls to the devil, who are left with sense of shame and pride, can become the pride of the continent in a little time when given the opportunity to occupy positions of authority. 

I could imagine a reverse situation in which Justice Oyewole decides to look the ‘other way’ and therefore pervert the cause of justice. What would have happened? Nothing! 

We have become so disillusioned with our situation that we are no longer bothered with the atrocities being committed by our leaders. It is not strange to hear people say “ God will judge them” when the corruption of politicians stare them in the face. The good thing is that the wind of change is blowing across Nigeria. Citizens are ready to demand their rights. Our leaders must know that the long rope is almost exhausted; the time is coming when they would be asked to give accounts. 

Today, it’s Bode George’s turn. Tomorrow it must be the turn of those other shameless people who connived to steal what should have been used to make live meaningful and worth living for millions of their people. It is such a shame that the speed and decisiveness that’s been used to pursue bank chiefs and directors could not be deployed in bringing to book proven thieves that governed us in various capacities in the past. 

It is about time to set down a marker that this is a country of civilized people. People that are committed to the best practice in their business and political conducts. It is only when we set our house in order that tenants would be interested in moving in. While we continue our re-branding efforts, I make bold to say that the judgment of Justice Oyewole  has done more good to this country than a thousand trips organized to positively project Nigeria to the World!

November 5th, 2009