National Wire About Nigerians, Nigerian Business and Other Stories
By Olusola Agbalu
Bribery and corruption have been tools for undermining the truth and sabotaging justice since ancient times.
Throughout history, those entrusted with responsibility have accepted money to deviate from their duties. The Bible offers an example in Matthew 28:12-15:
When they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, telling them, ‘Say, His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep. And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.’
This passage highlights the age-old practice of using financial incentives to distort the truth and protect certain interests. Yet, the fact that it has existed for centuries doesn’t make bribery and corruption acceptable.
Corruption is a perversion of justice and governance. It erodes the very foundation of a nation, weakening its institutions and reducing it to rubble. Countries that have become great today have established systems to discourage and root out corruption, but many African nations, including Nigeria, still struggle to put such mechanisms in place.
State of Corruption in Nigeria
Nigeria, in particular, faces severe corruption in its government institutions. A recent example that trended online involved an audio clip posted by popular blogger Very Dark Man (VDM). In the audio, Nigerian internet personality Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, alleged how he avoided serving a prison term after being jailed for the abuse of naira notes at a party. According to Idris, his “godfather” assured him that he wouldn’t serve time in prison. He claimed that, instead of staying in prison with other inmates, he was housed in a luxurious apartment, having paid for this arrangement.
What makes the situation more troubling is Idris’s claim that he bribed officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to secure this treatment. The EFCC is tasked with investigating and prosecuting financial crimes in Nigeria. If these allegations are true, they highlight a serious breach of trust and accountability within a key anti-corruption agency.
Reactions and Consequences
The audio has sparked outrage among Nigerians across various social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). The common sentiment expressed by many is that “only the poor serve jail terms in Nigeria.” This perception reflects the broader frustration with a system where wealth and influence can often buy freedom and impunity.
Corruption has severely undermined Nigeria’s progress in multiple sectors—whether it’s oil theft in the energy industry, embezzlement in the banking sector, or unethical practices in government agencies. These actions have crippled the country’s economy and tarnished its global reputation. If those entrusted with managing the nation’s systems were to perform their duties with integrity, Nigeria could thrive and become as successful as the world’s advanced nations.
The Call for Change
Nigerians must take it upon themselves to demand accountability from those in power. Whether it’s family, friends, or colleagues in government ministries, parastatals, or private organizations, every citizen has a role to play in pushing for ethical behavior and rooting out corruption.
It’s time for the nation to breathe free of the suffocating effects of bribery and corruption. Let the call for integrity and justice ring out, so that Nigeria may fulfill its potential and rise to greatness.
*Agbalu, a trained accountant and media practitioner, writes from Lagos.
