The fundamental question that begs for relevant answer centres on Nigeria leaders and whom shall we trust among the either appointed or elected public office holders?.
This paradoxical question unequivocally comes at a time President Muhammadu Buhari remains the current President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Ascension or enthronement of Katsina born most powerful Nigerian had to do with his assessment and acknowledgment of his integrity, prestige and impeccable character pre-2014 general elections in Nigeria.
Things began to fall apart having assumed the office as the promises made during the electioneering campaigns and qualities of integrity, openness and impeccable character upon which eligible Nigerians voted massively irrespective of political affiliations have been totally jettisoned.
If eligible Nigerians had rejected PMB in 2014 and equally refused to vote him in 2019, the same accolade and appellation given to late Sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo as the best president Nigerians never had would have been ascribing to PMB simultaneously.
Sequel to outright rejection of Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) at the polls in 2014 general elections, every right thinking Nigerian and the foremost Nigerians analysts believe that President Muhammadu Buhari’s led adminstration would change the face of governance and ultimately bring succour to average Nigerians.
Amazingly, PMB and cabinet members have not been lived to expectations as many of the promises and pledges made while going round the length and breath of the country have been kept aside.
The only area that makes people becomes speechless is CORRUPTION which he promised to fight wholeheartedly and nip in the bud, but it amazes that war against corruption is not given the needed objectivity and sincerity as members of the opposition parties become the first targets of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) ditto Independent Corrupt Practice Commission and other related offences(ICPC).
Despite the fact that All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2014 employed and engaged in campaign of calumny, hate speech and destructive criticisms against PDP, the belief of everybody is premised on the fact that when the former comes on board it would right the wrongs but administrative approach and style of governance makes people to cry loud and clear on its alleged incompetency and inefficiency.
The first set of ministers paraded in 2104 after the victory of election were half politicians and technocrats with questionable character, National Assembly in its efforts to carry out the legislative assignments on the nominated ministerial designates on series of allegations levelled against some was vehemently rejected but forced to screen and recommend for president’s approval.
The same thing equally repeated in 2019, when those nominated were purely politicians who have in one way or the milked the resources of this country, as some analysts had it that those penciled down and confirmed as current ministers are being compensated based on their respective roles that were played in their states to make Buhari come back for second term.
Whom shall we trust now?, we have seen the good and bad of PDP likewise the five years in office of APC at the centre have shown and proved all the magic and abracadabra it intends to perform.
APC promised to kill corruption but it festers more in the current administration as almost all Buhari’s appointees have alleged corruption cases with EFCC and ICPC but they become untouchable as the president is alleged of shielding them.
The one that many could not think of is the issue of embattled and sacked Chairman of EFCC, Ibrahim Magu whose alleged obvious corruption and financial malpractices exited him from the exalted position of anti-corruption agency.
It is not a gainsaying and indisputable fact that Magu’s allegation of corruption and his current investigation by presidential panel led by retired Ex-President of Appellate Court, Justice Ago Salami has no doubt made many lost conviction of sincerity, openness, integrity and impeccable character in the current administration led by PMB.
Imagine how PMB’s appointees keep showing appetite and desire to steal public funds without any form of remorse and shame in the face of Nigerians and most especially the average ones.
How should we describe the drama that was staged and acted yesterday as an acting Chairman of Niger Delta Development Commission(NDDC), Professor Pondei fainted while answering questions before the House of Representatives’ panel designated to handle the alleged bribery, corruption and financial malpractices in the commission.
Nigeria has no doubt become a lawless and mannerless country when the public office holders have no feelings nor regard for law for their corrupt tendencies.
With past and current spate of alleged corruption in Buhari’s led administration, it shows that Nigeria has not got her messiahs, when and how they would be unveiled is unknown to everybody.
Prince Adetunji Fabode is an activist.
Oyo State, Nigeria
adetunjifabode@gmail.com
