Fighting Corruption

Corruption is a serious problem and its impact is evident in poor democratic growth, weak economies and ultimately general insecurity.  It is the root of many evils and must be addressed for any country to progress.  It is also an international issue and no country is immune, however it can also be controlled as we’ve seen from many countries.  The United Nations designated December 9 as International Anti-corruption day to focus the world’s attention to it.  In commemoration of this day we asked some of our friends in the media to share with us briefly what they think can be done to fight corruption in Nigeria.
Below are their responses:

“Corruption can only be minimized in Nigeria when art of governance is separated from politics. But in as much as EFCC and other anti corruption agencies would continue to be used as hunting dogs to intimidate political opponents and allow purely corrupted allies of those in power to go free, end of corruption is not yet insight. On the other hand the expensive political system Nigeria runs today tempted many Nigerians into getting rich quick as is the case with our politicians who become rich no sooner they are elected into any position of authority.”
Bashir Nura Faggo, Globe FM, Bauchi

“The two anti-graft agencies set up by the administration of Olusegun Obasanjo. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practice and other related Commission (ICPC) though their respective pioneer chairmen performed well and made public officials accountable, showing a commitment by government to fight corruption alas.  However, the commission over the years lost its credibility due to the lackluster attitude they handled some cases notable amongst others is the Ibori case (acquitted in a Nigerian court and found guilty of the same case in the UK) and more recently the fuel probe saga between an oil magnate and a member of the House of Representatives.  The present administration has made it clear that there is a cabal in the system that frustrates meaningful development in the power and oil sector yet no 'big wig' has been convicted since this revelation.  The way to fight graft in Nigeria is commitment by the government to be able to arrest and try corrupt officials no matter whose ox is gored. There shouldn’t be sacred cows in the fight against graft. No nonsense and upright people should be put at the helm of affairs of the agencies fighting graft.  The Judiciary should be cautioned for coming up with unprofessional methods of delaying cases in courts.”
David Barau, News Editor, Aso Radio 93.5 fm

“Corruption is a way of life in Nigeria and both leaders and followers are guilty of enabling this plague in the society. There will be no quick fixes but a systemic approach, which employs adequate punishment for perpetrators and reward for good-behavior, would slowly but surely deal with corruption in the country. However, I believe this can only be achieved if Nigeria has a strong and intelligent leader willing to do all it takes, including stepping on “sacred” toes, to ensure this culture of corruption is uprooted and replaced with one where people appreciate and embrace the greater good for the majority.”
Ameto Akpe, Senior Reporter BusinessDay Newspaper

“For the fight against corruption to succeed in Nigeria, we must have value re- orientation. There must be a system to reward honesty and punish dishonesty. Leaders must lead by example, while communities must stop honoring crooks- Ibori's case should serve as a valuable lesson.”
John Alechenu, Punch Newspaper.

"Best way of fighting corruption is deepening democracy and full application of its tenets and also the rule of law."
Samuel Aruwan, Correspondent, Blueprint Newspapers Limited.

“Corruption can be reduced drastically in Nigeria’s public sphere by exorcising all the elements that serve as fertile grounds for the flourishing of graft. One of such ways is by replacing our expensive presidential system which bestows too much power in the hands of the president and his over-bloated cabinet with a parliamentary system. Our federal legislature should be made a part-time affair and their huge overhead cost trimmed. This will drastically reduce wanton theft of public wealth and reduce the current huge recurrent expenditure. Anti-graft agencies like EFCC, ICPC, among others, should be independent and strengthened; all those involved in corrupt practices must be dealt with without fear or favor. Anti-graft studies should be introduced incorporated into our schools curriculum right from elementary level.”
Nuruddeen M. Abdallah, Investigations Editor, Daily Trust Newspaper

What do you think can be done to fight corruption in Nigeria?