CRIME & PUNISHMENT: THE NIGERIAN EDITION

The current probe into Nigeria's failed power sector revealed and continues to reveal how trusted officials and their private sector 'friends' robbed the nation of millions, resulting in a country that cannot provide electricity for any sustained period of time. It is definitely a positive thing that the failures of the power sector and those involved are highlighted for the world to see. After all, democracy is all about accountability. Yet, the constant variations of the same allegations and revelations that are 'exposed' everyday have become repetitious.

PROSECUTION & PUNISHMENT
It is time to move on to the next step. No more public humiliation of corrupt officials and their friends, no more confessions from Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello about how much money (N10 million) she took from the Ministry of Health. It is time for the business of prosecution and punishment. Yardy just instructed the EFCC to charge Global Infrastructure Holdings (Nigeria) Ltd. (an Indian company meant to manage Ajaokuta Steel). He also directed the EFCC to prosecute members of the Federal Government and others that were involved in the failure to honor contracts meant to provide energy to millions. While it is refreshing to see Yardy jumping into the fray and taking a public stand on this power-corruption nuisance, more is needed. Assets must be frozen. Passports must be held by courts to prevent flight. Nigeria Politricks would probably advocate the creation of special prison cells for the many that should, but probably will never see a day in jail.

I know I previously advocated the 'censure' Aondoakaa a while back. Although I seemingly got my wish, I never advocated muzzling the Ministry of Justice. It is time to 'unleash' Aondoakaa and as many staff as can be spared to commence the many cases that needed to be before the courts last week. The nation must be apprised of the specific plans the Ministry of Justice and other satellite Commissions (EFCC, ICPC) have to punish those that have failed to honor their responsibilities and contractual duties to Nigeria and its people.

THE CASE OF 'ROTTING' TURBINES...
Two months ago, fellow blogger, Omodudu, pointed out that 18 turbines worth $3 billion, remained idle at the Apapa Wharf in Lagos because the "government ha[d] no way of moving them to the site of the power stations." Omodudu went on to suggest that at least 1 million Nigerians could show up and find a way to lift those turbines and get them to their locations. Well, I am happy/sad/nonchalant to inform the world that there is something 'rottingly fishy' going on. ThisDay Online reports that there are actually 21 turbines rotting away at three ports.in Onne, Warri and Calabar. And, government officials are still scratching their heads on how to 'fix' Nigeria's electricity woes. Some person or company got paid a grand total of $300 million, as far as we know, for those turbines. They have probably invested that money, doubled it by now and are lying on a yacht in the Mediterranean sipping on a cold alcoholic beverage. Whoever ordered those turbines without ensuring that they get to their necessary destination should probably lose their job. In fact, their boss should lose his/her job and be charged for criminally failing the public.

THE MYSTERY OF THE MISSING AIRCRAFT
For over two weeks, Nigerians have been watching the saga of the missing plane. A small plane, allegedly belonging to James Ibori according to Nigeria Politricks blog, disappeared and is feared to have crashed somewhere along the border between Nigeria and Cameroon. For two weeks, newspapers have been awash with theories and speculation over where the plane crashed. Nigeria pleaded for help, and was reportedly turned down by Cameroon, to search for the missing plane. Soon after, reports came out that necessary equipment needed to track planes is non-existent and/or inoperable in Nigeria. People like my sweet mother, questioned why the nation lacked such necessary equipment to manage aviation. All I could do was explain that if the nation can not generate enough electricity to power homes and businesses, it should not be shocking that aviation equipment is unavailable. But, the embarrassment of this situation knows no bounds because now, Nigeria will use the assistance of "foreign missions" to find the missing plane.

I cry for my beloved country. It is a beautiful land of rich history, abundant resources and incredible people. Somehow, we have lost our way and cannot handle small issues properly or tackle many large problems effectively. Whenever my spirits rise in anticipation of progress, a closer look into various situations dashes my hopes and dreams of positive change. I know that people are 'trying', but 'trying' is inadequate. Decisive, well reasoned, action is necessary at every level be it individual, state, or federal. And such action is especially necessary now that we are taking a closer look at ourselves as a nation and revealing our failures for what the truly are. We must not allow this opportunity to pass without doing the right thing - requiring the return of misappropriated funds from officials and contractors, suing them and sending those liable to jail. We must also use this opportunity to highlight a unified and well thought out strategy that we apply immediately to remedy the nation's failed energy sector, flailing aviation sector and quite frankly, every other struggling sector or industry in Nigeria.

Crime and Punishment. Those who did the crimes must be ready to do the time and the nation must be ready to dole out the necessary punishment and get back on the road to greatness.

Further Reading:
- Halliburton & Nigeria - Corruption Inc. Pt 2
- Nigerian Power Scandal: Authority Stealing
- Obasanjo-Bello and the Anti-Corruption Crusade
- Siemens & Nigeria - Corruption Inc.
- Corruption: The Common Denominator To All Our Problems