Nigeria: War On Corruption Betrayed
 Thompson Ayodele
 
 
The chairman of the African Union has urged critics of African governments
not to forget that corruption is as old as Adam. Besides, he adds, the
canker occurs everywhere on the planet.
 
Such irresponsible comments only strengthen politicians against the people
they serve. Corruption in America or Europe makes a minor dent on the
economy.
 
Corruption accounts for 25 per cent of the Africa's GDP. It accounts for
the failure of government to provide adequate security for its citizens as
well as basic public goods. It accounts for the weakness of the rule of
law as it politicises life.
 
In my country Nigeria, it has dwindled economic growth and prosperity. For
many non-Nigerians, it is hard to believe that the country is poor
considering its huge oil proceeds.
 
Until recently, Nigeria's international rating on the corruption index has
been dismal. This prompted the last administration to set up the Economic
and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) to combat the menace.
 
The EFCC under the chairmanship of Alhaji Nuhu Ribadu excelled even among
dodgy politicians. When some bank directors were investigated and made to
cough out some of the funds fraudulently acquired while at the helm, the
commission received a pat on the back. For that and similar feats, the
EFCC were praised to high heaven.
 
With more than 56 convictions on corruption, money laundering, oil
pipeline vandalism and related offences, assets well over US$5 billion
have been frozen and seized from corrupt officials, their agents and
cronies.
 
The real challenge for the commission began when it decided to take on
politicians, particularly the so-called "sacred cows". The one that has
gained wide currency is the arrest of one of the governors who was
reported to have bankrolled the election of President Yar'Adua.
 
At a point, efforts were made to whittle down the powers of the commission
if not altogether eliminate it. The open confrontation between the EFCC
and the Attorney-General over the former's insubordination is one hell of
a spanner thrown in the EFCC's works.
 
A closer look however, shows that the furore is not over EFCC's refusal to
report to the AG's but the crude manner with which the AG demanded such
subordination. The most critical period for the commission was shortly
before last year's General Election.
 
Opposition to the EFCC's prominence was so vehement that it was used by
the political administration to settle political scores, leaving the
commission's image badly dented.
 
Whatever might be the shortcomings of the EFCC, imaginary as they are, the
commission has exhibited strong commitment to the war against graft. It
has investigated a vast number of people, including political leaders and
private individuals. The fight against corruption would remain elusive if
those who steal are well connected and escape justice.
 
A clique with deep roots in government succeeded to personalise the war
against graft and have its chairman forced out to go on a study leave. It
is not surprising to gauge the public's displeasure with this naked
attempt at fighting justice.
 
The question on everyone's lip is after the exit of Mr Ribadu, would the
EFCC have the same clout to arrest and even prosecute the big names in the
corruption industry?
 
However, a key lesson from the Nigerian case is that fighting corruption
should not be centered on one benevolent authority.
 
It would seem sensible to invest in building effective institutions with
tough biting teeth, but also with a desire for rewarding honest and
diligent workers. This builds trust among public office holders and
provides the incentive to perform.
 
 
With time, the success of such institutions and the high ethical standards
they set will permeate all facets of society, making it unattractive to
dishonestly acquire property. The present administration needs to show
strong commitment both in words and actions that the war on graft is
waxing stronger.
 
Should there be any indication that the administration is backing down, it
would reverse whatever gains the nation has made in the anti-corruption
war. It would further worsen the nation's rating on the international
corruption index.
 
Ayodele is the executive director of Initiative for Public Policy
Analysis, an NGO based in Lagos.

 
*Ayodele is the Executive Director of Initiative for Public Policy
Analysis based in Lagos.
 

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