Corruption and terrorism in Nigeria

20:48 25/06/2015
Lagos - As every problem must definitely have a solution, Nigeria’s dual menace also doesn’t defy one. The government must first be sincere and willing to tackle this dual menace.

Then they should be ready to dedicate immense effort and time in ensuring that their visions become laudable reality. Critical pragmatic steps have to be taken, if this battle would be won.

The government must as a matter of urgency go to the root of this security challenge we now face on a daily basis. The government should as a matter of urgency overhaul our security system.

Moreover, the truth must be told we lack the sophisticated weaponry to suppress this insurgence. The government should endeavor to serve its true function; guarantee the security of lives and properties. All hands must be on deck; the government, non-governmental organizations, religious leaders and off course you and I.

There is dare need for the eradication of bribery, favoritism, nepotism and sectionalism; if free movement, peace and prosperity is to be achieved. Selfishness among individuals and government agencies which eventually yields corruption and marginalization and consequently terrorism should be discarded.

We must also employ a bottom-top approach, in tackling this ill. We must cure the cause and not only the symptoms. The known evils of inequality, poverty, and unemployment are viable seeds that have given birth to the big juicy evil fruits of corruption alongside terrorism. After all an idle hand is the devils workshop.
Joblessness leads to idleness and idleness leads to vices. This has to be addressed through well thought out and targeted programs of investment in education, healthcare, skills development and training.

Education must be a right not a privilege, as no country can expect to develop when it disenfranchises its intelligent poor. There is no direction left than the cancellation of negative principles and the cultivation of positive principles from now onward. The solution lies in volition for positive change at all levels.

The nuclear family has to develop positive values for the extended. The country must also develop a culture of relative openness, in contrast to the current bureaucratic climate of insecurity.

Merit system should be adopted in employment and distribution of natural resources. Any society that rewards bad behavior creates a moral hazard that may consume it. Nigerians need to absolutely cultivate the habit of security consciousness and rapidly report any equivocal security situation to the appropriate authority immediately. The challenge of quality leadership has to be combated also.

The leadership has to also look inward and project forward ways in which we can overcome this surmountable challenge. It should be a case of visionary leadership by example.

A wholesome leadership should attract fulfillment for the majority. A fulfilled polity provides no room for corruption or insecurity. Our leaders should not only be sensitive to the plight of the people they should also be proactive.

To create an atmosphere of mutual understanding; tolerance and positivity are values worth embracing, political rivalry which breeds bad blood and despotic infiltrations from despicable and questionable individuals cum cabals should be vehemently effaced. With this, the toll which these epidemics i.e. corruption and terrorism have, cannot successfully thrive in our beloved nation.

Just as Felix Adler puts it; “where the roots of private virtue are diseased, the fruit of public probity cannot but be corrupt”. It’s time to solve the problem from within and the solutions would definitely evolve on the outside. The time is now, the time is here.

The chaff has to be separated from the wheat. All perceived bad eggs in our society need be eradicated. When we come together with a strong will, definite sense of purpose, dedication and absolute altruism in tackling these dual menaces; I believe the sky would never be our limit but our starting point.

I have believed in Nigeria in the past, I believe in her collective effort now and her great future. When all these are effectively implemented, only then can we live the words of our anthem; and truly live in a “nation bound in freedom, peace and unity.”