|
If we are to open another can of worms, it is also suspected that one of those appointed by the Presidency does not hold a Secondary School Certificate. Besides the allegations of financial misappropriation, NNPC have been accused of being a haven of corruption and embezzlement. An instance for this development was the recent missing of billions from NNPC to the Nigeria foreign reserve as reported by the Federal Ministry of Finance and some other funds being lost to illegal operation of oil wells by some top members of NNPC board, top politicians, government officials and members of the military hierarchy partaking in the bunkering mafia of which panels have been set up by the President to clear the ground.
Furthermore, the Poverty Reduction Strategy Process (PRSP), which is run under the Economic Policy Coordinating Committee (EPCC) headed by the Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, it was meant to assure high level of participation among Nigerian citizens but the dubious mark it carries lies on the fact that the poor masses have not felt the impacts. Even when it has been funded and supported by multinationals and foreign agencies like the World Bank, it has not reduced the high level of poverty in the land, instead it has increased rich people's wealth and exacerbates the masses meagre resources.
According to Tell Magazine report of 15th September, Ibim Sermnitare reported practices going on in his office, which gives room for veritable suspicions. In an interview with Osunsade, the second in command in the committee after the Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, he was asked as to whether he could render a summarized account of what they receive monthly and roughly how they spend the resources. In reply he said that government normally offers N2 million monthly, but that he could not account for the expenditures. To show the parlous state of affairs in his office, when his co-workers were approached, they flipped his
"Pandora's box" open. They reported that he collects money from the government and donor agencies for the same project. He was
accused of lack of transparency and impropriety in discharging his duties.
Upon seeing the future of Poverty Alleviation Programme (PAP), The National Poverty Eradication Project (NAPEP) was instituted by President Obasanjo. Since then, almost the same group of people continues to benefit and gain from their dividends. While they gleefully announce to the public that they are embarking on projects to help the poor out of poverty, the same poor people they talk about are there in the streets uneducated, bemused and suffering from poverty and hunger.
The poor are not seen in projects for the poor instead, one finds the rich people struggling to make decisions and influence policies for the poor to
adapt and obey.
Another issue at stake is that corruption at the high level by the President Olusegun Obasanjo and his pet project: Presidential Library Project in Ota, which they dare not like to hear as the fundraising, was forced on the Nigerian people to make in order to "belong" and "Chair". An act that is not supposed to exist within the ambience of a
democratic government.
In fact, justice which is defined as the quality of being fair and just has to do with legal preceding the paradoxical nature of law in our nation, is conspicuous such that it cannot be hidden from the
masses. One may be tempted to ask, "Where is justice when those at the helm of affairs embezzle funds for the public good, thereby making their pockets and bank accounts reap the dividends of democracy?
Where is justice when the populaces are deprived of their right to vote leaders of their choice?
Where is justice when the seats of the Central Bank Governor, Auditor-general, Accountant General and Attorney General, Group Managing Directors, Managing Directors, INEC Chairman, Inspector General of Police, DG – State Security Service and many other sensitive posts are occupied by those of the same orientation with the Presidency?
Where is the fair play when people unscrupulously clamp on the rights of others?
We shall continue to have an berated form of government and democracy, recalcitrant military personnel as long as we continue to be resilient, accepting all bitter pills, uncivil treatments and
unjustified deprivations meted out to us; unless we rise above this attitude of "absolute calmness" and cowardice.
It is a fact that we have been threatened by war, unstable governments and even death since after Independence, not because we are the worst set of sinners or bad people, but because we are bad
managers and are lacking in the single principle of good governance.
For us to progress further as a nation, and as a people, we must embark on a reconnaissance mission to the den of those hoodlums that threaten our justice and peace. We are naturally endowed with virtues of justice, love and peace and this should not be denied of us. The old Nigeria has failed and the new Nigeria that we hope will emerge, would hang on the pivotal point of
|
Tags
You must be logged in to add tags.
|
Writer Profile
Henry Ekwuruke
Henry Ekwuruke is Executive Director of the Development Generation Africa International.
|
Comments
Very talented Eugenia Bivines | Aug 31st, 2006
The poor are not seen in projects for the poor instead, one finds the rich people struggling to make decisions and influence policies for the poor to
adapt and obey.
This is so true. Most poor do not have the knowledge on how to go about getting their voices heard or expressions and thoughts voiced to public at large.
By educating the poor they will learn to have a voice and have the ability to express their thoughts and opions.
Eugenia
Building A Better Future (BABF)
Talk Finah Orji | Sep 21st, 2006
We need to talk no body is above the Law and we have freedoms to be free and make decisions. I feel bad whenever I hear about Right violations.
Appreciation catherine Akubueze | Sep 24th, 2006
Outstanding one. I wish to state categorically that it is right time our youth stand up and work out their future by speaking out. I know we are suffering but our situation is for a short time, we can do something now!
Impressive JOHNSON OKORIE | Sep 24th, 2006
Impressive and elaborate. The poor need to be put in the limelight of development should the MDGs be achieved especially in the developing countries.
Patrick Dan Mou | Sep 24th, 2006
Great!
Said it Jane Philips | Sep 24th, 2006
I love this piece, because it said the things that the government would not like to hear! keep up the activist spirit Henry.
Keep the tempo Prince Emeka | Sep 24th, 2006
You have got a good article here. Congrats for the criticisms and keep the tempo up. :)
You must be a TakingITGlobal member to post a comment. Sign up for free or login.
|
|
