In 2003, the UN declared December 9th as International Anti-Corruption Day. Nigeria has been celebrating the event with a week of conferences attended by various dignitaries and officials.
Nigeria is making positive strides in achieving the goal of a less corrupt society. We are finally investigating, charging and punishing corrupt officials and individuals. Even former rulers are trying to affect public opinion and salvage their reputations by throwing accusations of corruption at each other. This happened this week when IBB told the country that OBJ's administration was corrupt.
In fact, Transparency International just stated that more Nigerians believe that the nation's anti-corruption campaign will prove successful in 3 years time. To keep such positive energy going and until we get to the point where we have strong institutions and systems that thoroughly limit corruption, why don't we all commemorate anti-corruption day by joining Nigerian Lighthouse in celebrating Anti-Corruption Day on December 9th and 10th.
The goal is to get as many people to write a 50 word (or less) message on how to eradicate corruption in Nigeria. All submitted messages will be posted at the website - nigerianlighthouse.org .
Most Nigerians have an opinion on how to stop corruption. Here is a chance to share that idea with the world! So, simply write a message of 50 (or less) words (that amounts to about 3 sentences) and send it to NigerianLighthouse@gmail.com. Then send another message to your friends encouraging them to participate as well. This will only take 5 minutes of your time and the rewards - sharing ideas that will definitely improve Nigeria - is more than worth it.
ANTI-CORRUPTION DAY AT NIGERIAN LIGHTHOUSE - DECEMBER 9TH
Friday, December 7, 2007
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I'm beginning to get sick of all the 'anti-corruption' noise. What people should realise is that corruption is a two way street, both the 'victim' and the 'perpetrator' are actively involved.
The focus should be on people in position actually getting to do what they are in position for. Harsh reality: it is entirely possible to be 'corrupt', but still perform (Tony Blair anyone?)
Enough of the rant. What we have in places like Naija is bad, very bad, and maybe the death penalty (as in China) would be a nice little deterrent...
Whilst I agree with Chxta's view, I see another aspect where the victim is helpless and the perpetrator is potentate and in the way of the victim getting at what is essential to life and livelihood. (Access to work/Access to health care for sick kids etc.)
The problem is looking at corruption as an elite/Western interaction thing and whilst large sums of money are involved, the bigger problem is with the little-man who cannot exact his rights and is beholding to local petty tyrants and officials who extort bribes with menace and impunity.
I covered this in two blogs today with reference to Living with Corruption.
The solution: Do a Jerry Rawlings in Nigeria - drag out all the thieving former rulers and public officials, summarily shoot them and then watch the miracle you thought could not happen.
@ Jinta, we are no longer in 1979. I also recommend the death penalty, but only after a fair trial has shown the defendants to be guilty. Lest we be seen as being blood thirsty...
@ chxta - there's something to be said for a fair trial when the legal system works. As you're based in Nigeria, surely you're aware of the antics of the AGF, the Delta state govt. going to court to stop the EFFC from investigating, and Odili formally of Rivers state doing the same. The official who steals billions aka Tafa Balogun , is a killer because he denies police equipment to save their lives; the same goes for our politicians. you want the rule of law? Let it apply fairly.
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