It is perhaps expedient for me to begin this article by acknowledging that I am also contributing to a debate which has been raging for a long time, and to which thousands of Nigerians all over the world have contributed their own opinions. While I do not want to appear repetitive, it is instructive to note that I will definitely not have the last word on this matter, for as long as the debate continues to rage. Hence I am not daunted to contribute to it, because my little voice will add more to the debate.
The debate about “expunging, excising, removing, repealing the immunity clause in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria” has been going for a long time, well before President Yar’Adua went to Switzerland and stood up to be counted as an opponent of this expansive immunity clause. Why he had to take that position well away from Nigeria is a bit baffling to me, but then he was speaking in front of representatives of multi-national corporations called “Partnership Against Corruption Initiative”, so what else do you expect him to say when confronted by powerful multi-national entities who are obviously scared of, and rightly concerned about their investments, current or potential, in Nigeria of today noted for its corrupt culture?
These representatives should be rightly concerned, what with scandals involving some of them linked to various Nigerian Government functionaries, being exposed on a daily basis – Wilbros, Siemens, etc, and the fact that their own governments are beginning to look into their sharp practices involving their officials and Nigerian officials to secure fat contracts. So it is expedient for Mr President to re-assure them, and he must say the right things. And thus, Mr President said “One of the raging debates in Nigeria today is the issue of constitutional immunity from prosecution conferred on the president, vice-president, governors and deputy governors. I have confidence that the next constitutional amendment will strip these public officials of this immunity and I am personally in support of that.”
Mr President is saying the right words, as he always does. Nigerians’ concern is if he meant it or how soon will this be implemented.
To recap, Section 308 (1) of the 199 Constitution offers a virtual carte blanche to the executives to get away with virtually everything, including murder, because what it confers on them is that they are free from criminal and civil prosecution, no matter what offence they committed whilst in office. They cannot be compelled to appear in court, be arrested, prosecuted or imprisoned if they commit any criminal or civil offence whilst they enjoy the privilege of being in office.
There are several ways to look at this issue of constitutional immunity from prosecution granted to our leaders. Some schools of thought have said that Nigeria is not the only country to have such doctrine in their constitution. I have not had time to read a lot of other countries’ constitution, but one thing I can say is that the American Constitution, which we had apparently borrowed and adapted to suit our own environment, does not have anything like this. My little bit of research only turned up the Privileges and Immunity Clause (US Constitution, Article IV, Section 2, Clause 1, also known as the Comity Clause) which prevents states in the US from treating citizens of other states in a discriminatory manner, with regards to basic civil rights. The clause also embraces a right to travel, so that a citizen can enjoy privileges and immunities in any state he or she wishes. The text of the clause reads “The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States”.
Maybe this is the type of clause that should have been inserted into our Constitution in 1999 by those who drafted it. As we know, such rights, privileges and immunities are not being enjoyed by Nigerians in Nigeria today, but that is another story. Ask an Igbo man living in Bauchi or Borno or Sokoto State, for example, and see if he enjoys the same rights as a Bauchi indigene; or a Yorubaman living in Anambra or Abia or Cross River State, etc.
Well, there we have it. The US Constitution does not confer wide ranging immunity to Federal and State Executives from prosecution. For example, in 2005, the Governor of the State of Connecticut, Mr John G Rowland, was found to have received gratifications totalling $100,000, not even in cash, but by accepting free chartered trips and vacations and renovations to his cottage. The FBI immediately descended on him and did not wait for his gubernatorial term to expire because of an “Immunity Clause” as we have in Nigeria. He had to resign and upon this, was put on trial, and eventually sent to a year in jail (I hope with hard labour), after he himself admitted betraying the trust of the people he was meant to serve.
I shudder to think if he were to be a Nigerian Governor. As it is, save only Mr Alamieyeseigha of Bayelsa State, who was first impeached (and only after a lot of strong-armed tactics by the combination of ex-President Obasanjo and EFCC’s Nuhu Ribadu), even after they have left office, and having been accused, indicted and bailed to reappear in court, I am yet to see any of these “execu-thieves” go through a proper trial and sentenced. In fact, just last week, the Federal Government withdrew money laundering charges against ex-Governor Dariye of Plateau State, and that is after all the overwhelming evidence of corruption, including video and pictures against him, not to talk of being arrested and then jumping bail in the UK.. One of his accomplices has even been sentenced in a London court.
So the removal or expunging of this much abused immunity clause should be seen as a step in the right direction. Normally, in a normal country with well-behaved political leaders (and I am using this term very lightly), there would not be a problem with retaining such a clause, in fact, strengthening it, but in a corruption-ridden society such as ours, it has proved to be more evil than good. We have seen how it has been abused by irresponsible politicians, and the consequences on our society. It has caused untold sufferings to Nigerians – look at what misappropriation of public funds by these Executives have done to our healthcare system, educational system, road and other transportation, power generation and distribution, food and water availability, in fact, every facet of possible human and material development of a nation that want to call itself a progressive nation.
Furthermore, and perhaps the most important, is the fact that majority of Nigerians want this clause removed. Many of us believe that its removal will bring a great measure of sanity to governance and will prevent these office-holders as seeing themselves as above the law and as mini-gods, who can do and undo, playing with millions of human lives. It will prevent crooks, who had been convicted for all kinds of offences in foreign countries and in Nigeria from even nearing a ballot box to contest. Removal of the immunity clause will also mean that executives will not be able to instigate violence and murder against political opponents. Right now, we know that several state governors are behind militancy, thuggery and murder, and if the immunity clause is removed, even if they are not directly involved in these crimes, they can be hauled in by association.
Again, if we base the argument on the premise of morality in law, in a democracy, if we say that no one is above the law, why then are we allowing the Constitution to confer certain immunity on some people which then gives them the perceived right to be above the law? If no one is above the law, then if the immunity clause is removed, then we are all operating on a level playing field, and that means if positions of responsibility is given to a person, elected or appointed, that person would be made accountable for his or her stewardship while in office, and not after they have left office and caused irreparable untold damages and misery through their irresponsible behaviour. The immunity clause, as we currently have it has protected a lot of these politicians. Who would guess one year ago, of the monumental sums now beginning to surface that these thieves have stolen? We only hear of it because they are out of office.
Not only this, removal of this irresponsible clause will act as a deterrent, no matter how small this effect will be (I said this because Nigerian politicians will always find a loophole to commit their crimes against the Nigerian people, irrespective of any law imposed on them, e.g. by god-fatherisms, etc) to others with the aim and intent of going into politics or government to make money. In most cases, a lot of die-hard politicians, who feel they do not have any other means of income, except politics, will not be able to make their way into office by crooked means. This explains why, not satisfied after eight years as Governors, some of them, under the pretext of still wanting to serve Nigeria, and are now Senators or Ministers. There is too much attraction to the oil money, everybody wants part of it – crookedly.
Having said all these, I have read with some interest, some arguments against the removal of the immunity clause, and some of them do have some merits. Some have said that removing the immunity clause from the constitution will undermine executive capacity (Kayode Oladele, 2006). While Mr Oladele admitted that the misconduct of some state governors has generated growing concern among Nigerians, he is of the opinion that the reason behind the clause was to enable the president and governors to perform their designated functions effectively without fear that a particular decision or action may give rise to criminal liability. In a way, this might be a very good reason, but in my opinion, there are a lot of powers granted these executives - executive fiat - within the constitution in the first place, that if they perform effectively and efficiently in the first place, they are well protected from such diversions. It is a matter of law and constitutional adherence. The problem has always been that our executives always flout the law and constitution of the land on a regular basis either because they are ignorant of the provisions or they deliberately do so because they know they can get away with it. I do not see this as a problem if executives are committed, sincere and honest in executing the functions which we elect or appoint them to carry out in the first place. The power of the people will always back them.
Another school of opinion has maintained that removing the immunity clause will have little or no effect, because of the simple-minded notion that we still have the same Nigerians in the system, who will now seek to rely on god-fathers and an inefficient and corrupt judicial system. I say no. Every little helps, so they say. If the removal of immunity is going to contribute only 2 percent to the fight against corruption, so be it. We cannot fold our hands and expect manna to fall from heaven. We cannot just sit there and let these people kill us while we put it in God’s hands. If removal creates fear in their hearts, and they still risk committing crimes against the Nigerian people, at least the fear of God has been put in their hearts, and if caught, they will be dealt with severely, harshly and appropriately by the people.
Yet another cautious opinion on the removal of this infernal clause is that Nigeria should not be seen as acting below such laws and practices in, say the UK and the USA , so as not to make us a laughing stock because we will be acting below general international standard practice. The premise here again is that other countries may have, or may have had, such a clause, and may or may not have expunged it, but as mentioned above, there is nothing like this in the US Constitution and the UK apparently has no written constitution. (Because the UK has no single codified documentary constitution along the lines of the Constitution of the United States, it is often said that the country has an "unwritten constitution". However, most of the constitution does exist in the written form of statutes, court judgments and treaties. The constitution does have some unwritten sources, though, including Parliamentary conventions and the royal prerogatives.)
I will admit that removing the immunity clause is perhaps not the panacea to the problem of corruption in Nigeria. There are still many other ways to reduce corruption to a manageable level, (I have always said that it is impossible to have zero-level corruption in any society in the world) such as an effective and incorruptible judiciary, effective anti-corruption policies and law enforcement agencies, re-orientation of our people via education, rigorous screening of political candidates to prevent thieves and idiots from getting to positions of great responsibility, poverty reduction, imposition of tough fiscal and moral responsibility and accountability on executive and other office holders, etc. What we need to aim for instead is zero-tolerance. Removing the immunity clause is a positive step in achieving this zero-tolerance attitude and approach.
The immunity clause may have immense value and benefits, if and when it is not abused (and again, this may depend on which side of the garden you are) but what we have seen of eight years of democracy in Nigeria, this clause is redundant, abused, misused and totally out of tune with the aspirations of the Nigerian people.
I had written before (Democracy, Corruption and the Rule of Law in Nigeria, www.nigeriansinamerica.com, 08/08/2007 and Nigeria Today Online) that the American Constitution, for example, has undergone various and numerous changes over the centuries and will continue to do so till the end of time to reflect sociological, economic, cultural and human changes as inevitably they will happen. Why then do we think that the Nigerian situation must be different? Constitutions and laws are versatile documents; they are not permanent instruments. They can be manipulated to suit anybody. They can be amended. They can be interpreted in very different ways to have different meaning to different people at different times. They are not rigid articles of governments and the judiciary. In fact, that is why lawyers are on opposite sides everytime in a court of law, one arguing for and the other arguing against; interpreting the law to suit themselves or a particular case. The same goes for Constitutions; legislators, supposedly versed in the Constitution will interpret it differently to suit their own political agenda. Jurists have different interpretation and opinion of same sections of the same law. This is what makes laws and constitutions very robust.
This step of expunging the immunity clause should have been taken a long time ago but for the selfishness and indecision of the last Administration. The debate has again been awakened, and we must not let the opportunity go begging again. The Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole said recently, after the speech by Mr President in Switzerland, and to our chagrin and alarm, that the House would only consider whether to remove the immunity clause or not at the end of the trial of formers governors who allegedly enriched themselves in office. Dear Honourable Speaker, waiting for that to happen is equivalent to not doing anything at all and is telling Nigerians nothing. It is also retrogressive and such statement is not worthy of you. In fact, it could be viewed and interpreted as delaying tactics and I would strongly urge you to consider another option, otherwise you will find yourself on the receiving end of some very hard knocks from your countrymen and women. You simply cannot wait until the end of these trials, because those trials can drag on for years, because of the financial and political clout of these ex-governors. For instance, just today, 04 February 2008, the case against ex-Governor James Ibori has been adjourned indefinitely because of a national strike by the Judicial Staff Workers Union. Also, there are many separate trials and they cannot end at the same time, so we are talking several years before the last one could end. And even if they end, and some of them are acquitted, as they may well be, does that prove that the immunity clause has had no effect at all on their behaviour while in office.
From all these, it is not hard to see that corrupt political leaders will make effort to see that the immunity clause is retained in the Constitution. That is the cloak under which they have hiding for years and perpetrating their crimes against the Nigerian people, and sneer at and insult our laws and institutions and collective intelligence. The Immunity Clause is a licence for stealing, killing and maiming, and we are not being sentimental here. Recently, they have even added the phrase “Rule of Law” to give themselves more time to hide. The corrupt will do anything; go any length, to maintain the status quo, which suits them to the detriment of the Nigerian people. Trust Nigerian politicians to be ever protective of each other; whoever came up with this idea in 1999 deserves to be shot.
Again this brings me to what I have been taught since childhood – Let the truth be said always. Our officials, and indeed most Nigerians are always quick to declare our religious, political and tribal affiliations, yet when it comes to the issues of corruption, we are very slow in condemning it, hence the reason why it is increasingly difficult for us to fight corruption in our country. Corrupt Nigerian officials, past and present, politician, civil servant or military often conveniently and to their advantage, neglect their religious injunctions, despite bandying the Holly Books in our faces and claiming to be holier-than-thou. This is often exacerbated by fawning and sycophantic acolytes and hangers-on defending the indefensible just because they are gaining from the misconducts of these corrupt officials. What you do on earth is what you will be judged against in heaven or hell. Each individual, according to the Holy Books, must account for their own sins and not the sins of others.
No. The Immunity Clause must be expunged from the Nigerian Constitution, and there is no better time than NOW.
Akintokunbo Adejumo, a social and political commentator on Nigerian issues, lives and works in London, UK. A graduate of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria (1979) and University of Manitoba, Canada (1985), he also writes on topical issues for newspapers and internet media including Nigeriaworld.com, Nigeria Today Online, Nigerians In America, Nigeria Village Square, Champions Newspaper, Gamji.com etc.
He is also the Coordinator of CHAMPIONS FOR NIGERIA,(www.championsfornigeria.org) an organisation devoted to celebrating genuine progress, excellence, commitment, selfless and unalloyed service to Nigeria and Nigerians.
Thursday, 15 May 2008
Monday, 21 January 2008
Of Lunacy and Leaders
Akintokunbo A Adejumo
London, United Kingdom
akinadejum@aol.com
Not too many eons ago, the Government of Lagos State under Mr Bola Tinubu started a mini revolution in the city of Lagos whereby motorists caught driving on the wrong side of the road or otherwise driving carelessly are not only fined a hefty sum of money, but are also escorted to psychiatric hospitals to have themselves assessed, and at their own costs. It was, I was told, a very successful initiative, but sadly, like many other good and welcome initiatives in Nigeria, it died an unnatural death. That was because there was never any real commitment to it.
The fact that a lot of our citizens wantonly and deliberately disobey the laws of the land – and believe me, Nigeria has a lot of laws, which if enforced as they should be in a normal society, will give us a better and more organised country – is a reflection of the lunacy and breakdown of law and order in that country. By this I mean in its totality, not just motorists, armed robbers and militants, but also corrupt officials in government, industry, business and other sectors.
It is for this reason that I have likened the behaviour of motorists to those of our leaders. The problem of corruption in Nigeria has assumed enormous and embarrassing proportions in recent years, although it has been with us for decades. In fact, so grave is the problem that in 1998, the CBCN (Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria) composed a special prayer against bribery and corruption in Nigeria. This prayer is still being recited today at most Catholic masses. (See my article – Corruption and the Nigerian Mentality, Nigeriaworld.com )
Since President Yar’Adua assumed the mantle of power in May 2007, the earth shattering revelations that have surfaced on the monumental scale of corruption in the previous administration of Olusegun Obasanjo has shaken Nigerians dizzy. The monumental sums being bandied about is beyond belief. And we have hardly started or ended. Like Americans say, “You ain’t seen nothing yet”. In fact we will never know the real and true amount of Nigerian people’s money that have gone into the private pockets of former Governors, Deputy Governors, Ministers, Special Advisers of all tiers of government, Commissioners, Board and Parastatals Chairpersons, Local Government Chairpersons and their councillors, top and middle level civil servants, and even minor officials. It is like looking for a needle in a big haystack, if you ask me. We are talking of trillions of Naira here, because if only three ex-Governors can steal over 200 billion Naira between them, imagine the rest. And the stealing continues with second-term Governors and new Governors alike. All of them think they can still get away with it; they think they are smart enough to outwit the system. A delusion of their minds.
This is pure lunacy. And that brings me to my essay. Gary Novak, (undated) an “Independent Scientist”, quoted Ivan Pavlov (Nobel Laureate in Physiology in 1904) as defining modern psychology by showing how stimulus-response reactions are created in the mind. Without going into the experiment of Pavlov, he showed that certain stimuli cause patterns of behaviour to be expressed as developed reactions, and when these are repeated often, causes reactions to become more developed over time.
The reactions of corruption always have the same characteristics, with the starting point being the assumption that prevailing over someone else would be advantageous. In Nigeria, our leaders and/or those in charge of power and authority create that advantage by stealing more money from the treasury, buying more properties, and to take it to another level, buying private planes and more valuable properties and vehicles in overseas countries, even when they do not need to. This allows them to dictate terms to their advantage (as seen when they are going for re-election or even during plea-bargaining) to the detriment of other players – colleagues or the ordinary citizen. They see themselves as playing a game of survival, and the only way they can survive is to maintain a corrupt advantage over everybody else.
In Sam Vaknin’s “The Psychology of Corruption” in Malignant Self Love (1999 -2007), he wrote “Most politicians bend the laws of the land and steal money or solicit bribes because they need the funds to support networks of patronage. Others do it in order to reward their nearest and dearest or to maintain a lavish lifestyle when their political lives are over. But these mundane reasons fail to explain why some officeholders go on a rampage and binge on endless quantities of lucre. All rationales crumble in the face of a Mobutu Sese Seko or a Saddam Hussein or a Ferdinand Marcos who absconded with billions of US dollars from the coffers of Zaire, Iraq, and the Philippines, respectively.
These inconceivable dollops of hard cash and valuables often remain stashed and untouched, mouldering in bank accounts and safes in Western banks. They serve no purpose, either political or economic. But they do fulfil a psychological need. These hoards are not the megalomaniacal equivalents of savings accounts. Rather they are of the nature of compulsive collections.
Erstwhile president of Sierra Leone, Momoh, amassed hundreds of video players and other consumer goods in vast rooms in his mansion. As electricity supply was intermittent at best, his was a curious choice. He used to sit among these relics of his cupidity, fondling and counting them insatiably. While Momoh relished things with shiny buttons, people like Sese Seko, Hussein, and Marcos drooled over money. The ever-heightening mountains of greenbacks in their vaults soothed them, filled them with confidence, regulated their sense of self-worth, and served as a love substitute. The balances in their bulging bank accounts were of no practical import or intent. They merely catered to their psychopathology. These politicos were not only crooks but also kleptomaniacs. They could no more stop thieving than Hitler could stop murdering. Venality was an integral part of their psychological makeup”.
So we see the relationship between looting of government treasury and kleptomania. The same analysis above is very apt with our Nigerian politicians and leaders. Some of them are so mad that that they keep their loot in their houses; some of them even bury cash in graves; while some of them just go on buying every property and business in sight, despite the fact that they can only sleep in one room at a time, example, an ex-Governor who has 159 or so properties in a single city.
Kleptomania is a compulsive desire to steal. Psychologists and psychiatrists will tell you kleptomania is a psychological disorder or aberration. It is about acting out a dream or fantasy. Corrupt Nigerian leaders also see it a compensatory act; they think politics is a drab, uninspiring, unintelligent and often, humiliating business, which is risky and arbitrary. It is also stressful and full of conflict. They also think they are doing us all a favour and therefore they should be compensated adequately. In other words, they do not agree that their salary is compensation enough and the fact that they are living virtually free of charge on our money. Vaknin also goes further to posit that “politicians with mild forms of mental health disorders react by de-compensation. They rob the state and coerce businessmen to grease their palms because it makes them feel better, it helps them to repress their mounting fears and frustrations, and to restore their psychodynamic equilibrium. These politicians and bureaucrats "let off steam" by looting”.
Another fact is that a society where truth is not allowed to flourish is bound to be corrupt; and with it, all other kinds of ills in the society. Such is our society. That is why some people who can never tell the truth, and see nothing wrong in telling lies all the time, are referred to as “pathological liars”. Politicians thus devised a seemingly acceptable definition by saying they are only being “economical with the truth”. However, a lie is a lie. A corrupt person can never ever be expected to be truthful – another kind of psychological aberration – because he/she always has something to hide. Any threat of exposure then leads him/her to taking evasive action, and he/she will even contemplate, and often resort to, mass murder. Incidentally, it is not only the leaders or politicos that manifest this characteristic, but even the ordinary members of society. Hence the veracity in the saying that “A people deserve the leaders they get”. We must all share the blame for our corrupt state.
Ian Heath , 2003, wrote that “A person’s use of social and political power usually reveals the limitations of that person. The limitations reflect the moral boundaries of the person – narrow and bigoted boundaries often indicate little ability to handle power for the common good. One limitation is the belief that there is one law for those who have power and another for those without it : the person with power respects only those who also have power. This gives rise to a common failing. When a person has power, that power is abused when it is directed into areas of society where the person has psychological problems. Abuse occurs because the person’s psychological problems undermine his moral principles and corrupt his exercise of power. Power is neutral but the person is not. So power magnifies both the person’s virtues and his vices”.
Looking at our systems in Nigeria today, it encourages corruption by the following reasons: there is scarcity of goods and services; there is monumental red tape and delay (bureaucracy); there is lack of transparency from the governments; our judicial system cannot guarantee justice, fairness and equality; tribalism and nepotism among the corrupt to protect each other (as with the expression “thick as thieves” and no expression as “thick as honest people”).
With the above causes of corruption are also four key players: the corrupt politician, the corrupt bureaucrat or civil servant, the corrupt businessman and the criminal, who combine together in different formulations, permutations and combinations to perpetrate their corrupt acts on the people and the nation. Incidentally, they are all of the same ilk, carved out of the same tree. For example, if the corrupt politician were to be a businessman or civil servant, he will still be corrupt in those roles, and vice versa for all four groups. It does not matter what position or role they play either in governance or business, or just any role in the society, they will always be corrupt. The environment does not have any effect on them. It is difficult to say when the civil servants are taking bribes because it is like trying to guess when the fish in the water is drinking water. The civil servants are very much part of the system and it is difficult to detect their corruption, but we all know they aid the politicians to steal us blind, hence their culpability.
Most kleptomaniac leaders, bureaucrats and politicians are also psychopaths, therefore they rarely feel remorse or fear the consequences of their misdeeds, and this only makes them more culpable and dangerous. Again, examples abound currently with indicted or arrested ex-Governors, and their friends in Government, still pulling strings in their incarceration or hideouts to remove evidence, getting anti-corruption chiefs removed or even resorting to murdering witnesses.
The psychology which breeds corruption is that today corruption is a low risk, high profit activity. There is no shame in being corrupt, as exemplified by those arrested ex-Governors who are still strutting about on the streets, fighting all corners, and in fact, still being hailed by their own people as some malformed heroes. So if you can make easy money and also there is no loss of prestige in the society, why not indulge in corruption? In fact the only restriction of corruption can be from two sources. One is the internal check of conscience and the moral values an individual gets form his family, background, religion and his own society. In our current situation in Nigeria, moral values of all kinds seem to have rapidly and irrevocably declined. The second of course is external control, which the government can exercise to make corruption a very dangerous exercise. As a Nigerian, I am concerned with the second part, because, invariably, it is in Government that we find 90% of corrupt officials in Nigeria, so how can the Government make corruption a dangerous exercise to would-be corrupt leaders or politicians?
My reason for writing this article is my belief that before one can understand the reason behind this our national malaise, it is pertinent and important that we understand the psychology behind corruption and the people who perpetrate it on 120 to 140 million people before we can devise effective strategies of confronting the perpetrators. We need to study and understand their psyche. It is also because of my inability, much as I try, to comprehend the reason why corruption is so pervasive in the Nigerian society that I grew up in. All many Nigerians had wanted in life, and what our family, background, religion and society had taught us then was to have a good education, take up a job in any sector of the society and do our best to ease the suffering of society in any way we individually or collectively can, and that is simply by working hard and serving our people. However I fail to understand why others – corrupt, avaricious, selfish, arrogant, insensitive and murderous people – feel the wealth of a whole nation belongs to them by right or by virtue of the position they find themselves in – elected or selected. I cannot understand how a Governor or even a Minister can walk or drive on the streets of Nigeria and be totally impervious and immune to the suffering and poverty going on around them. These people even feign ignorance of these and insulate themselves from the public, as if they have never been ordinary citizens before. I cannot for the world of me, reconcile being corrupt with being happy because you have more money than me. Mind you, I am not naïve. I have needs too, as a normal human being, but I don’t think I can be happy by depriving others of their needs or entitlements too.
It is therefore safe to conclude, from the psychological analysis of corruption, that our corrupt politicians and leaders must be mad. They must be psychopaths. This is the only plausible explanation for their behaviour. It is therefore not asking too much if perhaps they should be subjected to very rigorous and extensive psychiatric tests before they are allowed to run for office or take office, as cumbersome and impracticable as this may seem. It is not even enough asking them to declare their assets before they take office or before they even run of office – they always manipulate this exercise in futility. A lot of them are a danger to the Nigerian society, like armed robbers, policemen (yes) and mad people on the street. Unfortunately, a mad person never realises his/her problem, they think everybody else but themselves is the mad person.
But I am sure that if we put our heads together and follow the dictates of Truth, the Law, the ability to recognise good and evil, Nigerians will be able to come up with effective solutions to check corruption and utilise government and the people to check corruption. We must come together, we must survive and enjoy together, we should build on our strengths of ideas and resourcefulness; our ideas must be bright and shining and practical and sincere, and we should remove the poison of misunderstanding between us and there should be no hatred.
Truth be said, we are all fighting a very common enemy in corruption. Our very survival and that of our future generations, now or unborn, depends on it. Some people believe Nigeria is irredeemable and incorrigible and is a failed state. The problem is those who hold such thoughts and opinions will die, along with the rest of us, never knowing otherwise, and Nigeria will still be there. Breaking Nigeria into several different nations will not solve the problem of corruption, as we know that our corruption is not unique or peculiar to any religion or tribe. Let the Ijaws have their own country today, and you will see what happens to them when they control the oil. Let the Yorubas have their own country today, and that is when you will know there is something called “corruptis invincibilis”, the mother of all corruption. Give a country to the Northerners, and you will know the truth about what corruption really is – total immorality couched in religious ostentation. To the Igbos, a country called Biafra, and that is when you see brothers killing sisters and fathers killing sons because of money and corruption. Sorry; and all other tribes who consider themselves mini-nations in Nigeria. It is only collectively that we can fight it.
That is the plain truth. So what the heck are you complaining about?
Akintokunbo Adejumo, a social and political commentator on Nigerian issues, lives and works in London, UK. A graduate of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria (1979) and University of Manitoba, Canada (1985), he also writes on topical issues for newspapers and internet media including Nigeriaworld.com, Nigeria Today Online, Nigerians In America, Nigeria Village Square, Champions Newspaper, Gamji.com etc.
He is also the Coordinator of CHAMPIONS FOR NIGERIA,(www.championsfornigeria.org) an organisation devoted to celebrating genuine progress, excellence, commitment, selfless and unalloyed service to Nigeria and Nigerians.
London, United Kingdom
akinadejum@aol.com
Not too many eons ago, the Government of Lagos State under Mr Bola Tinubu started a mini revolution in the city of Lagos whereby motorists caught driving on the wrong side of the road or otherwise driving carelessly are not only fined a hefty sum of money, but are also escorted to psychiatric hospitals to have themselves assessed, and at their own costs. It was, I was told, a very successful initiative, but sadly, like many other good and welcome initiatives in Nigeria, it died an unnatural death. That was because there was never any real commitment to it.
The fact that a lot of our citizens wantonly and deliberately disobey the laws of the land – and believe me, Nigeria has a lot of laws, which if enforced as they should be in a normal society, will give us a better and more organised country – is a reflection of the lunacy and breakdown of law and order in that country. By this I mean in its totality, not just motorists, armed robbers and militants, but also corrupt officials in government, industry, business and other sectors.
It is for this reason that I have likened the behaviour of motorists to those of our leaders. The problem of corruption in Nigeria has assumed enormous and embarrassing proportions in recent years, although it has been with us for decades. In fact, so grave is the problem that in 1998, the CBCN (Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria) composed a special prayer against bribery and corruption in Nigeria. This prayer is still being recited today at most Catholic masses. (See my article – Corruption and the Nigerian Mentality, Nigeriaworld.com )
Since President Yar’Adua assumed the mantle of power in May 2007, the earth shattering revelations that have surfaced on the monumental scale of corruption in the previous administration of Olusegun Obasanjo has shaken Nigerians dizzy. The monumental sums being bandied about is beyond belief. And we have hardly started or ended. Like Americans say, “You ain’t seen nothing yet”. In fact we will never know the real and true amount of Nigerian people’s money that have gone into the private pockets of former Governors, Deputy Governors, Ministers, Special Advisers of all tiers of government, Commissioners, Board and Parastatals Chairpersons, Local Government Chairpersons and their councillors, top and middle level civil servants, and even minor officials. It is like looking for a needle in a big haystack, if you ask me. We are talking of trillions of Naira here, because if only three ex-Governors can steal over 200 billion Naira between them, imagine the rest. And the stealing continues with second-term Governors and new Governors alike. All of them think they can still get away with it; they think they are smart enough to outwit the system. A delusion of their minds.
This is pure lunacy. And that brings me to my essay. Gary Novak, (undated) an “Independent Scientist”, quoted Ivan Pavlov (Nobel Laureate in Physiology in 1904) as defining modern psychology by showing how stimulus-response reactions are created in the mind. Without going into the experiment of Pavlov, he showed that certain stimuli cause patterns of behaviour to be expressed as developed reactions, and when these are repeated often, causes reactions to become more developed over time.
The reactions of corruption always have the same characteristics, with the starting point being the assumption that prevailing over someone else would be advantageous. In Nigeria, our leaders and/or those in charge of power and authority create that advantage by stealing more money from the treasury, buying more properties, and to take it to another level, buying private planes and more valuable properties and vehicles in overseas countries, even when they do not need to. This allows them to dictate terms to their advantage (as seen when they are going for re-election or even during plea-bargaining) to the detriment of other players – colleagues or the ordinary citizen. They see themselves as playing a game of survival, and the only way they can survive is to maintain a corrupt advantage over everybody else.
In Sam Vaknin’s “The Psychology of Corruption” in Malignant Self Love (1999 -2007), he wrote “Most politicians bend the laws of the land and steal money or solicit bribes because they need the funds to support networks of patronage. Others do it in order to reward their nearest and dearest or to maintain a lavish lifestyle when their political lives are over. But these mundane reasons fail to explain why some officeholders go on a rampage and binge on endless quantities of lucre. All rationales crumble in the face of a Mobutu Sese Seko or a Saddam Hussein or a Ferdinand Marcos who absconded with billions of US dollars from the coffers of Zaire, Iraq, and the Philippines, respectively.
These inconceivable dollops of hard cash and valuables often remain stashed and untouched, mouldering in bank accounts and safes in Western banks. They serve no purpose, either political or economic. But they do fulfil a psychological need. These hoards are not the megalomaniacal equivalents of savings accounts. Rather they are of the nature of compulsive collections.
Erstwhile president of Sierra Leone, Momoh, amassed hundreds of video players and other consumer goods in vast rooms in his mansion. As electricity supply was intermittent at best, his was a curious choice. He used to sit among these relics of his cupidity, fondling and counting them insatiably. While Momoh relished things with shiny buttons, people like Sese Seko, Hussein, and Marcos drooled over money. The ever-heightening mountains of greenbacks in their vaults soothed them, filled them with confidence, regulated their sense of self-worth, and served as a love substitute. The balances in their bulging bank accounts were of no practical import or intent. They merely catered to their psychopathology. These politicos were not only crooks but also kleptomaniacs. They could no more stop thieving than Hitler could stop murdering. Venality was an integral part of their psychological makeup”.
So we see the relationship between looting of government treasury and kleptomania. The same analysis above is very apt with our Nigerian politicians and leaders. Some of them are so mad that that they keep their loot in their houses; some of them even bury cash in graves; while some of them just go on buying every property and business in sight, despite the fact that they can only sleep in one room at a time, example, an ex-Governor who has 159 or so properties in a single city.
Kleptomania is a compulsive desire to steal. Psychologists and psychiatrists will tell you kleptomania is a psychological disorder or aberration. It is about acting out a dream or fantasy. Corrupt Nigerian leaders also see it a compensatory act; they think politics is a drab, uninspiring, unintelligent and often, humiliating business, which is risky and arbitrary. It is also stressful and full of conflict. They also think they are doing us all a favour and therefore they should be compensated adequately. In other words, they do not agree that their salary is compensation enough and the fact that they are living virtually free of charge on our money. Vaknin also goes further to posit that “politicians with mild forms of mental health disorders react by de-compensation. They rob the state and coerce businessmen to grease their palms because it makes them feel better, it helps them to repress their mounting fears and frustrations, and to restore their psychodynamic equilibrium. These politicians and bureaucrats "let off steam" by looting”.
Another fact is that a society where truth is not allowed to flourish is bound to be corrupt; and with it, all other kinds of ills in the society. Such is our society. That is why some people who can never tell the truth, and see nothing wrong in telling lies all the time, are referred to as “pathological liars”. Politicians thus devised a seemingly acceptable definition by saying they are only being “economical with the truth”. However, a lie is a lie. A corrupt person can never ever be expected to be truthful – another kind of psychological aberration – because he/she always has something to hide. Any threat of exposure then leads him/her to taking evasive action, and he/she will even contemplate, and often resort to, mass murder. Incidentally, it is not only the leaders or politicos that manifest this characteristic, but even the ordinary members of society. Hence the veracity in the saying that “A people deserve the leaders they get”. We must all share the blame for our corrupt state.
Ian Heath , 2003, wrote that “A person’s use of social and political power usually reveals the limitations of that person. The limitations reflect the moral boundaries of the person – narrow and bigoted boundaries often indicate little ability to handle power for the common good. One limitation is the belief that there is one law for those who have power and another for those without it : the person with power respects only those who also have power. This gives rise to a common failing. When a person has power, that power is abused when it is directed into areas of society where the person has psychological problems. Abuse occurs because the person’s psychological problems undermine his moral principles and corrupt his exercise of power. Power is neutral but the person is not. So power magnifies both the person’s virtues and his vices”.
Looking at our systems in Nigeria today, it encourages corruption by the following reasons: there is scarcity of goods and services; there is monumental red tape and delay (bureaucracy); there is lack of transparency from the governments; our judicial system cannot guarantee justice, fairness and equality; tribalism and nepotism among the corrupt to protect each other (as with the expression “thick as thieves” and no expression as “thick as honest people”).
With the above causes of corruption are also four key players: the corrupt politician, the corrupt bureaucrat or civil servant, the corrupt businessman and the criminal, who combine together in different formulations, permutations and combinations to perpetrate their corrupt acts on the people and the nation. Incidentally, they are all of the same ilk, carved out of the same tree. For example, if the corrupt politician were to be a businessman or civil servant, he will still be corrupt in those roles, and vice versa for all four groups. It does not matter what position or role they play either in governance or business, or just any role in the society, they will always be corrupt. The environment does not have any effect on them. It is difficult to say when the civil servants are taking bribes because it is like trying to guess when the fish in the water is drinking water. The civil servants are very much part of the system and it is difficult to detect their corruption, but we all know they aid the politicians to steal us blind, hence their culpability.
Most kleptomaniac leaders, bureaucrats and politicians are also psychopaths, therefore they rarely feel remorse or fear the consequences of their misdeeds, and this only makes them more culpable and dangerous. Again, examples abound currently with indicted or arrested ex-Governors, and their friends in Government, still pulling strings in their incarceration or hideouts to remove evidence, getting anti-corruption chiefs removed or even resorting to murdering witnesses.
The psychology which breeds corruption is that today corruption is a low risk, high profit activity. There is no shame in being corrupt, as exemplified by those arrested ex-Governors who are still strutting about on the streets, fighting all corners, and in fact, still being hailed by their own people as some malformed heroes. So if you can make easy money and also there is no loss of prestige in the society, why not indulge in corruption? In fact the only restriction of corruption can be from two sources. One is the internal check of conscience and the moral values an individual gets form his family, background, religion and his own society. In our current situation in Nigeria, moral values of all kinds seem to have rapidly and irrevocably declined. The second of course is external control, which the government can exercise to make corruption a very dangerous exercise. As a Nigerian, I am concerned with the second part, because, invariably, it is in Government that we find 90% of corrupt officials in Nigeria, so how can the Government make corruption a dangerous exercise to would-be corrupt leaders or politicians?
My reason for writing this article is my belief that before one can understand the reason behind this our national malaise, it is pertinent and important that we understand the psychology behind corruption and the people who perpetrate it on 120 to 140 million people before we can devise effective strategies of confronting the perpetrators. We need to study and understand their psyche. It is also because of my inability, much as I try, to comprehend the reason why corruption is so pervasive in the Nigerian society that I grew up in. All many Nigerians had wanted in life, and what our family, background, religion and society had taught us then was to have a good education, take up a job in any sector of the society and do our best to ease the suffering of society in any way we individually or collectively can, and that is simply by working hard and serving our people. However I fail to understand why others – corrupt, avaricious, selfish, arrogant, insensitive and murderous people – feel the wealth of a whole nation belongs to them by right or by virtue of the position they find themselves in – elected or selected. I cannot understand how a Governor or even a Minister can walk or drive on the streets of Nigeria and be totally impervious and immune to the suffering and poverty going on around them. These people even feign ignorance of these and insulate themselves from the public, as if they have never been ordinary citizens before. I cannot for the world of me, reconcile being corrupt with being happy because you have more money than me. Mind you, I am not naïve. I have needs too, as a normal human being, but I don’t think I can be happy by depriving others of their needs or entitlements too.
It is therefore safe to conclude, from the psychological analysis of corruption, that our corrupt politicians and leaders must be mad. They must be psychopaths. This is the only plausible explanation for their behaviour. It is therefore not asking too much if perhaps they should be subjected to very rigorous and extensive psychiatric tests before they are allowed to run for office or take office, as cumbersome and impracticable as this may seem. It is not even enough asking them to declare their assets before they take office or before they even run of office – they always manipulate this exercise in futility. A lot of them are a danger to the Nigerian society, like armed robbers, policemen (yes) and mad people on the street. Unfortunately, a mad person never realises his/her problem, they think everybody else but themselves is the mad person.
But I am sure that if we put our heads together and follow the dictates of Truth, the Law, the ability to recognise good and evil, Nigerians will be able to come up with effective solutions to check corruption and utilise government and the people to check corruption. We must come together, we must survive and enjoy together, we should build on our strengths of ideas and resourcefulness; our ideas must be bright and shining and practical and sincere, and we should remove the poison of misunderstanding between us and there should be no hatred.
Truth be said, we are all fighting a very common enemy in corruption. Our very survival and that of our future generations, now or unborn, depends on it. Some people believe Nigeria is irredeemable and incorrigible and is a failed state. The problem is those who hold such thoughts and opinions will die, along with the rest of us, never knowing otherwise, and Nigeria will still be there. Breaking Nigeria into several different nations will not solve the problem of corruption, as we know that our corruption is not unique or peculiar to any religion or tribe. Let the Ijaws have their own country today, and you will see what happens to them when they control the oil. Let the Yorubas have their own country today, and that is when you will know there is something called “corruptis invincibilis”, the mother of all corruption. Give a country to the Northerners, and you will know the truth about what corruption really is – total immorality couched in religious ostentation. To the Igbos, a country called Biafra, and that is when you see brothers killing sisters and fathers killing sons because of money and corruption. Sorry; and all other tribes who consider themselves mini-nations in Nigeria. It is only collectively that we can fight it.
That is the plain truth. So what the heck are you complaining about?
Akintokunbo Adejumo, a social and political commentator on Nigerian issues, lives and works in London, UK. A graduate of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria (1979) and University of Manitoba, Canada (1985), he also writes on topical issues for newspapers and internet media including Nigeriaworld.com, Nigeria Today Online, Nigerians In America, Nigeria Village Square, Champions Newspaper, Gamji.com etc.
He is also the Coordinator of CHAMPIONS FOR NIGERIA,(www.championsfornigeria.org) an organisation devoted to celebrating genuine progress, excellence, commitment, selfless and unalloyed service to Nigeria and Nigerians.
The Truth Has To Be Said Always
Akintokunbo A Adejumo
London, UK
akinadejum@aol.com
Never believe that a few caring people can't change the world. For indeed that's all who ever have. - Margaret MeadProblems cannot be solved by the same level of thinking that created them. - Albert Einstein
The two quotes above are favourites of mine among many others, at least as far as the emancipation of my people, Nigerians, are concerned. They are part of my email signature. And I fully believe in those words of wise people who have helped shaped the world we live in.
When writers write, it is invariably because they are taking positions on issues that they feel they must, therefore there is an element of bias in everything they write about. At the same time, it is in their subconscious that they are appealing to at least two different views – one for and one against. This is a fact of life. Some people will agree with your thinking and position and some will not. This is an occupational hazard of sorts. This is further compounded by the reality that some people will be venomous and abusive in their condemnation of the position you have taken. At the most dangerous, this can even lead to threats on your life – again, this is typically Nigerian politics and mentality.
It is not uncommon, as most fellow writers will agree, to find their email inboxes full of negative feedbacks, as well as rejoinders casting aspersions on their sincerity of purpose, intentions and positions, thus having to defend oneself everytime. In some cases, wiser writers will refrain from doing this, because they do no want to get entangled with pettiness, name-calling, mud-slinging and other nastiness associated with people always looking for a fight.
As Lord Winston Churchill was quoted to have said, “When arguments are prolonged and well thought out, men of mediocrity and of low intelligence are apt to be rude”. This is very true indeed.
During the course of writing by many writers on issues affecting Nigeria, especially now that technology has graced us with the Internet, and there are many publications on line, what we have seen are at variance with reality and normalcy. A lot of the writers are used to this. When we write on issues we feel should be considered to take Nigeria forward, what we get is negative feedback from people who purport to be more patriotic than us. Fortunately for me, I get more positive feedback than negative, and these I really appreciate, since such encourages me and let me know that I am not always writing nonsense.
Some will write rejoinders or comments to say what you have written are not new. Sure, corruption is not new in Nigeria or indeed in the world, but should we, because of this fact stop writing about it? Corruption has been in the world since the beginning of time, and it will never go away, but some countries in the world have managed to keep it to a manageable level, not totally eliminating it, because they recognise the futility in taking this course of eliminative action, and thereby progressing as a nation. It is also not new that there are so many things wrong with our society as it is currently operated.
It is however very discouraging when people assume that everybody who writes about Nigerian issues are either part of the problem, are insincere or are banging their heads against the wall, because they feel Nigeria can never change. It is also wrong to assume that every writer is writing because of their own selfish interest. Genuine and open-minded patriots should be able to discern from the articles, those writers who are answering to a script or faceless sponsorship and those who are desperate to see a change in Nigeria through their writing and taking sincere positions on issues affecting the lives of Nigerians all over the world, not just Nigeria.
I am not in doubt that many of the articles I have written have struck very hard on some eyes or ears and sensibilities. This is the way it is intended to impact, because I am not in any other position right now to force change on Nigeria. One needs to be in a position to do that, politically or otherwise, which in itself means absolutely nothing nor does it assure a panacea to all the problems we have. We can only try our genuine best. Many have disagreed with my positions on several issues, and kindly offered alternatives or advice about facts, figures and actions. Yet, there are others who have not taken kindly to my positions on issues only because they felt uncomfortable with the position, or are beclouded by partisanship. All well and good, as long as they do not rain vituperations and insults on me. My take on this is that criticism is good, but it must be constructive and reflect a balanced view. Our people who have access to the Internet are too impatient and fail to carefully take a lot of things into consideration before mounting attacks on writers.
I am tempted to pay tribute to many eminent writers whose articles I have read and found to be very hard-hitting and constructive, and have addressed issues afflicting our dear country, Nigeria, but mere space precludes my mentioning their names. Some are paid journalists and some are not. Suffice it to say, some of these writers constitute the best brains and articulation that I have ever come across and they continue to be an inspiration to many Nigerians. Of course, you may not always agree with them, but they always make their points succinctly and sincerely. Kudos. For readers of our articles, please bear in mind that it is not easy to sit down and write about any topic. Some of us are not paid for these articles which we put in a lot of effort to research and write up. I write out of interest and the love of my country and concern for my people. And sometimes, out of frustration for things I am not in a position to change or can change. If at all I have an ulterior motive, that motive is to ensure that I and my family return to live in a better Nigeria as soon as possible, and ensure others around me are in a position to do the same. I do not ask to get paid or recognised by any media for publishing my articles. I just love writing on issues and as long as I get such articles across to readers who appreciate what I have written, whether positively or negatively, then I am satisfied with myself and my conscience.
What many people do not realise is that because we keep writing on a daily basis about the ills of Nigeria on the pages of newspapers and on the world-wide web, we are gradually getting across to our leaders and politicians. Believe me, several of them are reading our articles and are heeding the subtle and not-so subtle warnings being expressed in the writings. I may have made several enemies with my writings; I don’t really care, because I believe in writing and saying the truth. I do not pander to our politicians when it comes to survival and the progress of my people and myself, for that matter. Nevertheless, gratifyingly, I know I have also made more friends than enemies. These are the people who stand on the side of truth and progress.
I used to worry that despite the thousands of articles that we publish, we are not getting through to these minority clique of people holding a whole nation of 120 or 150 million people ransom because of their greed and selfishness. I now know otherwise, although the results will not immediately manifest themselves, because the forces of darkness and retrogression are very powerful and working to maintain their deadly stranglehold on the nation. Mind you, people of conscience, journalists, writers, authors, poets, intelligentsia, academicians, etc have been doing all they can to take Nigeria out of the doldrums for decades without much visible results, but we must not relent on our efforts. As I have written before, only the people of Nigeria can save Nigeria. Our destiny is in our own hands and we are of course the architect of our own destiny, so they say.
The truth has to be said always, no matter whose ox is gored. That is how we should take the matter of Nigeria and tackle its ills. The perpetrator of its ills have to be exposed all the time we have access to the facts, engaging in constructive criticism and debate and analysed conclusively to offer solutions. Forget about my name, religion or tribe, read and digest the content and ask yourself if I am telling the truth or addressing the point. That way, we can move forward without fear of any man. Only God do we fear.
Readers have been asking me why I have not written anything about the EFCC Chairman, Nuhu Ribadu issue. My reply is that it is no use. Not because the Presidency will do what it wants to do, but because of the many things I have read and other unconfirmed rumours flying all over the place. You can see it will be very difficult to take a strong position when you have statements like the following:
As a policeman, still attached to the Nigeria Police, he could be sent on any course by his superiors.
Chairman of the EFCC is only answerable to the President.
Ribadu is being removed due to the intrigues of several ex-Governors facing investigation or prosecution.
Ribadu is being removed to pave way for the probe of ex-President Obasanjo’s administration.
Ex-Governor Ibori and Attorney-General Aondoaaka are personally behind the plot to remove Ribadu.
Some ex-Northern Governors are particularly involved in his removal.
Ribadu was actually recommended for the job by ex-VP Atiku, so he has been very ungrateful to Atiku, biting the finger that fed him.
Ribadu was actually recommended for the job by ex-Attorney-General Kanu Agabi.
(These last two statements are conflicting, aren’t they? That is what I mean)
And then just a few of the titles of many Internet rejoinders and comments:
“Ribadu exit is a blessing”; “COLONEL UMAR ON RIBADU”; “Ribadu and Umar”;
“Ride on Ribadu! Nigerians everywhere will support you”; “Why They Are After Me — Nuhu Ribadu”; “Maybe We All Need To Go To NIPSS in Kuru, Jos”;
“How Nuhu Ribadu Let Nigeria Down”; “Statement of U.S. Senator Russ Feingold On the Removal of EFCC Chairman”
“Maurice Iwu should go to Kuru not Ribadu”; “Ribadu can go to hell”
“Goodbye Ribadu, Good Riddance”; “A bungled move to shunt Ribadu aside makes his position stronger”; “Nuhu Ribadu; The anti-corruption cop who cowered”
“Ribadu’s Exit Controversy – Much Ado About nothing”
Sadly, what we find on the reports and hundreds of articles written about this issue are half-truths and rumours, support for and against Ribadu. This is normal; so what else can I say? The Internet and newspapers these days have allowed us very healthy discourse exposing our biases and variant positions on issues. The man himself has gone to see the President and he came out smiling, not grim-faced like a man facing a guillotine. The Presidency and the Inspector General of Police were reticent in telling us the real reason behind their actions, and truth be said, unless you are in the inner caucus of the powers that be in Nigeria today, it is unlikely that we shall ever know the truth, like many other intrigues in Nigeria of today. All we pedestrians have to rely on are rumours and conjectures. And on the back of this new development are suspicious statements and acts of officials, especially, from Attorney General Aondoaaka, that seem to convey the impression that the Yar'Adua Administration may no longer be forthcoming and enthusiastic on the war against corruption.
One thing for sure is that Ribadu has contributed to, if not initiated, a massive improvement in Nigerians’ perspective of their leaders and corruption. It has been a Herculean task. His life has been under threat almost all the time from corrupt politicians, 419ers and drug barons. He must be recognised and commended by ordinary Nigerians for that, whether he was used by Obasanjo or not to pursue political enemies. He has shown conclusively that corruption can be tackled effectively in Nigeria, even if some of the ways he went about doing this is not acceptable to people who are fond of bringing up the “rule of law” issue and with many detractors placing lots of barriers in his way. His commitment to this cause has been recognised internationally too. The timing of his posting is also very wrong.
On the other hand, in a country of 120 – 150 million people, it is hard to say that Nuhu Ribadu is the only one who can do the job. In fact it is preposterous and utterly denigrating to assume that. I have no doubt in my mind that probably hundreds of people can do that job even more effectively and efficiently than Mr Ribadu, but this fact, is a mere speculation and assumption at the moment. He has laid down the gauntlet. The problem is, if we do not have the right replacement, which will even do better than him, then we are again in trouble and God save Nigerians. We got it right first time with Ribadu, no matter what his imperfections, mistakes, excesses and overzealousness are, afterall nobody is perfect, and we must get it right the second time.
In my own view, it is the way in which the whole thing has been handled that is my concern. On the face of it, this ordinarily should not attract the public interest, or suspicion, or condemnation that Ribadu is being sent on a course. After all, AIG Ribadu is a career officer who, by the rules explained by his professional boss, qualifies to proceed on a course to enhance his career. And as the Editorial of The Guardian Newspaper (Tuesday 08 January 2008) posited “He is, in his present duty post, not just another senior cop; and, in the peculiar circumstances of our corruption-ridden country, he is not just another public officer heading just another government agency. No. Nuhu Ribadu, as the government's anti-financial and economic crimes point man is, by public perception, Nigeria's No. 1 warrior against corruption in our country. Furthermore, he heads the nation's most challenged, and, we dare say, most active, anti-corruption agency for the simple reason that the financial and economic dimension - and damage - of corruption in this land supersedes by far other effects of this evil”.
Furthermore, The Guardian said, “The widespread interest in the removal of the pioneering EFCC boss from 'active duty' clearly shows that Nigerians desire a persistent, effective war against corruption. Second, it appears that, backed by political will, an agency of government can deliver on its mandate. The EFCC under Ribadu has proved that this can be done.
Third, corruption in all its manifestations and the nature and methods to confront it, entail great personal risks. Mallam Ribadu and his courageous team have, in truth gored the oxen of many men of power, means and influence. Did they make some mistakes? Certainly, yes. Were they overzealous? Sometimes. But the bottom line: Ribadu and his team achieved results unprecedented in the history of the fight against corruption in this country”. Like him or hate him, the majority of Nigerians have spoken for him. All those corrupt ex-Governors must be having a laugh right now. And even the current ones whose times for accountability are yet to come after their tenure.
I do not need to comment anymore on this issue. All has been said.
Let us always stand on the side of truth.
Akintokunbo Adejumo, a social and political commentator on Nigerian issues, lives and works in London, UK. A graduate of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria (1979) and University of Manitoba, Canada (1985), he also writes on topical issues for newspapers and internet media including Nigeriaworld.com, Nigeria Today Online, Nigerians In America, Nigeria Village Square, Champions Newspaper, Gamji.com etc.
He is also the Coordinator of CHAMPIONS FOR NIGERIA,(www.championsfornigeria.org) an organisation devoted to celebrating genuine progress, excellence, commitment, selfless and unalloyed service to Nigeria and Nigerians.
London, UK
akinadejum@aol.com
Never believe that a few caring people can't change the world. For indeed that's all who ever have. - Margaret MeadProblems cannot be solved by the same level of thinking that created them. - Albert Einstein
The two quotes above are favourites of mine among many others, at least as far as the emancipation of my people, Nigerians, are concerned. They are part of my email signature. And I fully believe in those words of wise people who have helped shaped the world we live in.
When writers write, it is invariably because they are taking positions on issues that they feel they must, therefore there is an element of bias in everything they write about. At the same time, it is in their subconscious that they are appealing to at least two different views – one for and one against. This is a fact of life. Some people will agree with your thinking and position and some will not. This is an occupational hazard of sorts. This is further compounded by the reality that some people will be venomous and abusive in their condemnation of the position you have taken. At the most dangerous, this can even lead to threats on your life – again, this is typically Nigerian politics and mentality.
It is not uncommon, as most fellow writers will agree, to find their email inboxes full of negative feedbacks, as well as rejoinders casting aspersions on their sincerity of purpose, intentions and positions, thus having to defend oneself everytime. In some cases, wiser writers will refrain from doing this, because they do no want to get entangled with pettiness, name-calling, mud-slinging and other nastiness associated with people always looking for a fight.
As Lord Winston Churchill was quoted to have said, “When arguments are prolonged and well thought out, men of mediocrity and of low intelligence are apt to be rude”. This is very true indeed.
During the course of writing by many writers on issues affecting Nigeria, especially now that technology has graced us with the Internet, and there are many publications on line, what we have seen are at variance with reality and normalcy. A lot of the writers are used to this. When we write on issues we feel should be considered to take Nigeria forward, what we get is negative feedback from people who purport to be more patriotic than us. Fortunately for me, I get more positive feedback than negative, and these I really appreciate, since such encourages me and let me know that I am not always writing nonsense.
Some will write rejoinders or comments to say what you have written are not new. Sure, corruption is not new in Nigeria or indeed in the world, but should we, because of this fact stop writing about it? Corruption has been in the world since the beginning of time, and it will never go away, but some countries in the world have managed to keep it to a manageable level, not totally eliminating it, because they recognise the futility in taking this course of eliminative action, and thereby progressing as a nation. It is also not new that there are so many things wrong with our society as it is currently operated.
It is however very discouraging when people assume that everybody who writes about Nigerian issues are either part of the problem, are insincere or are banging their heads against the wall, because they feel Nigeria can never change. It is also wrong to assume that every writer is writing because of their own selfish interest. Genuine and open-minded patriots should be able to discern from the articles, those writers who are answering to a script or faceless sponsorship and those who are desperate to see a change in Nigeria through their writing and taking sincere positions on issues affecting the lives of Nigerians all over the world, not just Nigeria.
I am not in doubt that many of the articles I have written have struck very hard on some eyes or ears and sensibilities. This is the way it is intended to impact, because I am not in any other position right now to force change on Nigeria. One needs to be in a position to do that, politically or otherwise, which in itself means absolutely nothing nor does it assure a panacea to all the problems we have. We can only try our genuine best. Many have disagreed with my positions on several issues, and kindly offered alternatives or advice about facts, figures and actions. Yet, there are others who have not taken kindly to my positions on issues only because they felt uncomfortable with the position, or are beclouded by partisanship. All well and good, as long as they do not rain vituperations and insults on me. My take on this is that criticism is good, but it must be constructive and reflect a balanced view. Our people who have access to the Internet are too impatient and fail to carefully take a lot of things into consideration before mounting attacks on writers.
I am tempted to pay tribute to many eminent writers whose articles I have read and found to be very hard-hitting and constructive, and have addressed issues afflicting our dear country, Nigeria, but mere space precludes my mentioning their names. Some are paid journalists and some are not. Suffice it to say, some of these writers constitute the best brains and articulation that I have ever come across and they continue to be an inspiration to many Nigerians. Of course, you may not always agree with them, but they always make their points succinctly and sincerely. Kudos. For readers of our articles, please bear in mind that it is not easy to sit down and write about any topic. Some of us are not paid for these articles which we put in a lot of effort to research and write up. I write out of interest and the love of my country and concern for my people. And sometimes, out of frustration for things I am not in a position to change or can change. If at all I have an ulterior motive, that motive is to ensure that I and my family return to live in a better Nigeria as soon as possible, and ensure others around me are in a position to do the same. I do not ask to get paid or recognised by any media for publishing my articles. I just love writing on issues and as long as I get such articles across to readers who appreciate what I have written, whether positively or negatively, then I am satisfied with myself and my conscience.
What many people do not realise is that because we keep writing on a daily basis about the ills of Nigeria on the pages of newspapers and on the world-wide web, we are gradually getting across to our leaders and politicians. Believe me, several of them are reading our articles and are heeding the subtle and not-so subtle warnings being expressed in the writings. I may have made several enemies with my writings; I don’t really care, because I believe in writing and saying the truth. I do not pander to our politicians when it comes to survival and the progress of my people and myself, for that matter. Nevertheless, gratifyingly, I know I have also made more friends than enemies. These are the people who stand on the side of truth and progress.
I used to worry that despite the thousands of articles that we publish, we are not getting through to these minority clique of people holding a whole nation of 120 or 150 million people ransom because of their greed and selfishness. I now know otherwise, although the results will not immediately manifest themselves, because the forces of darkness and retrogression are very powerful and working to maintain their deadly stranglehold on the nation. Mind you, people of conscience, journalists, writers, authors, poets, intelligentsia, academicians, etc have been doing all they can to take Nigeria out of the doldrums for decades without much visible results, but we must not relent on our efforts. As I have written before, only the people of Nigeria can save Nigeria. Our destiny is in our own hands and we are of course the architect of our own destiny, so they say.
The truth has to be said always, no matter whose ox is gored. That is how we should take the matter of Nigeria and tackle its ills. The perpetrator of its ills have to be exposed all the time we have access to the facts, engaging in constructive criticism and debate and analysed conclusively to offer solutions. Forget about my name, religion or tribe, read and digest the content and ask yourself if I am telling the truth or addressing the point. That way, we can move forward without fear of any man. Only God do we fear.
Readers have been asking me why I have not written anything about the EFCC Chairman, Nuhu Ribadu issue. My reply is that it is no use. Not because the Presidency will do what it wants to do, but because of the many things I have read and other unconfirmed rumours flying all over the place. You can see it will be very difficult to take a strong position when you have statements like the following:
As a policeman, still attached to the Nigeria Police, he could be sent on any course by his superiors.
Chairman of the EFCC is only answerable to the President.
Ribadu is being removed due to the intrigues of several ex-Governors facing investigation or prosecution.
Ribadu is being removed to pave way for the probe of ex-President Obasanjo’s administration.
Ex-Governor Ibori and Attorney-General Aondoaaka are personally behind the plot to remove Ribadu.
Some ex-Northern Governors are particularly involved in his removal.
Ribadu was actually recommended for the job by ex-VP Atiku, so he has been very ungrateful to Atiku, biting the finger that fed him.
Ribadu was actually recommended for the job by ex-Attorney-General Kanu Agabi.
(These last two statements are conflicting, aren’t they? That is what I mean)
And then just a few of the titles of many Internet rejoinders and comments:
“Ribadu exit is a blessing”; “COLONEL UMAR ON RIBADU”; “Ribadu and Umar”;
“Ride on Ribadu! Nigerians everywhere will support you”; “Why They Are After Me — Nuhu Ribadu”; “Maybe We All Need To Go To NIPSS in Kuru, Jos”;
“How Nuhu Ribadu Let Nigeria Down”; “Statement of U.S. Senator Russ Feingold On the Removal of EFCC Chairman”
“Maurice Iwu should go to Kuru not Ribadu”; “Ribadu can go to hell”
“Goodbye Ribadu, Good Riddance”; “A bungled move to shunt Ribadu aside makes his position stronger”; “Nuhu Ribadu; The anti-corruption cop who cowered”
“Ribadu’s Exit Controversy – Much Ado About nothing”
Sadly, what we find on the reports and hundreds of articles written about this issue are half-truths and rumours, support for and against Ribadu. This is normal; so what else can I say? The Internet and newspapers these days have allowed us very healthy discourse exposing our biases and variant positions on issues. The man himself has gone to see the President and he came out smiling, not grim-faced like a man facing a guillotine. The Presidency and the Inspector General of Police were reticent in telling us the real reason behind their actions, and truth be said, unless you are in the inner caucus of the powers that be in Nigeria today, it is unlikely that we shall ever know the truth, like many other intrigues in Nigeria of today. All we pedestrians have to rely on are rumours and conjectures. And on the back of this new development are suspicious statements and acts of officials, especially, from Attorney General Aondoaaka, that seem to convey the impression that the Yar'Adua Administration may no longer be forthcoming and enthusiastic on the war against corruption.
One thing for sure is that Ribadu has contributed to, if not initiated, a massive improvement in Nigerians’ perspective of their leaders and corruption. It has been a Herculean task. His life has been under threat almost all the time from corrupt politicians, 419ers and drug barons. He must be recognised and commended by ordinary Nigerians for that, whether he was used by Obasanjo or not to pursue political enemies. He has shown conclusively that corruption can be tackled effectively in Nigeria, even if some of the ways he went about doing this is not acceptable to people who are fond of bringing up the “rule of law” issue and with many detractors placing lots of barriers in his way. His commitment to this cause has been recognised internationally too. The timing of his posting is also very wrong.
On the other hand, in a country of 120 – 150 million people, it is hard to say that Nuhu Ribadu is the only one who can do the job. In fact it is preposterous and utterly denigrating to assume that. I have no doubt in my mind that probably hundreds of people can do that job even more effectively and efficiently than Mr Ribadu, but this fact, is a mere speculation and assumption at the moment. He has laid down the gauntlet. The problem is, if we do not have the right replacement, which will even do better than him, then we are again in trouble and God save Nigerians. We got it right first time with Ribadu, no matter what his imperfections, mistakes, excesses and overzealousness are, afterall nobody is perfect, and we must get it right the second time.
In my own view, it is the way in which the whole thing has been handled that is my concern. On the face of it, this ordinarily should not attract the public interest, or suspicion, or condemnation that Ribadu is being sent on a course. After all, AIG Ribadu is a career officer who, by the rules explained by his professional boss, qualifies to proceed on a course to enhance his career. And as the Editorial of The Guardian Newspaper (Tuesday 08 January 2008) posited “He is, in his present duty post, not just another senior cop; and, in the peculiar circumstances of our corruption-ridden country, he is not just another public officer heading just another government agency. No. Nuhu Ribadu, as the government's anti-financial and economic crimes point man is, by public perception, Nigeria's No. 1 warrior against corruption in our country. Furthermore, he heads the nation's most challenged, and, we dare say, most active, anti-corruption agency for the simple reason that the financial and economic dimension - and damage - of corruption in this land supersedes by far other effects of this evil”.
Furthermore, The Guardian said, “The widespread interest in the removal of the pioneering EFCC boss from 'active duty' clearly shows that Nigerians desire a persistent, effective war against corruption. Second, it appears that, backed by political will, an agency of government can deliver on its mandate. The EFCC under Ribadu has proved that this can be done.
Third, corruption in all its manifestations and the nature and methods to confront it, entail great personal risks. Mallam Ribadu and his courageous team have, in truth gored the oxen of many men of power, means and influence. Did they make some mistakes? Certainly, yes. Were they overzealous? Sometimes. But the bottom line: Ribadu and his team achieved results unprecedented in the history of the fight against corruption in this country”. Like him or hate him, the majority of Nigerians have spoken for him. All those corrupt ex-Governors must be having a laugh right now. And even the current ones whose times for accountability are yet to come after their tenure.
I do not need to comment anymore on this issue. All has been said.
Let us always stand on the side of truth.
Akintokunbo Adejumo, a social and political commentator on Nigerian issues, lives and works in London, UK. A graduate of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria (1979) and University of Manitoba, Canada (1985), he also writes on topical issues for newspapers and internet media including Nigeriaworld.com, Nigeria Today Online, Nigerians In America, Nigeria Village Square, Champions Newspaper, Gamji.com etc.
He is also the Coordinator of CHAMPIONS FOR NIGERIA,(www.championsfornigeria.org) an organisation devoted to celebrating genuine progress, excellence, commitment, selfless and unalloyed service to Nigeria and Nigerians.
Saturday, 29 December 2007
THAT INVITATION OF BRITAIN TO REFORM NIGERIA POLICE
The issue of law and order is of very high public concern, not only to Nigerians but also to the international community wanting to do business in and with Nigeria. Since the return to democracy in 1999, crime has risen steadily, with the Nigeria Police Force seemingly unable to respond effectively. In many cases, police incompetence, misconduct and corruption have fuelled, rather than reduce crime and violence. The issue of crime since this new democratic dispensation entered the political agenda due to the rise in kidnappings in the Niger Delta, the assassination of political opponents as well as the annual tally of police brutality and indiscriminate killings. Reform of the Nigerian policing system is clearly badly needed, yet policies have remained timid, incongruous and insincere in this area.
The recent call by the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro, to invite the British Police to reform the Nigeria Police has met with a lot of opposition and righteous indignation by many Nigerians, judging by what I have read in the newspapers. However, honest, sincere and articulate Nigerians should see this as a “welcome development which will take the Force to its anticipated standard”, as the IG himself posited and tried to explain. It is a step in the right direction, if only it is sincere, well-thought out, planned and implemented, and not just another way of pulling the wool over our eyes.
I have read people opposed to this move shouting “racism”, “re-colonisation”, “neo-colonialism”, “waste of our resources” and all kinds of other political words. If we are sincere with ourselves, to deny the involvement of colonisation in the history of Nigeria and its Police Force is to deny our history, and thereby deny our very existence as a country and as a people. History is there for the purpose of reference, and should not be denied or tampered with. That is a basic fact.
As one “Paul” wrote in The Vanguard, Thursday 29 November 2007, “Mr Okiro's statement is a testament to the pervading situation in Nigeria where the worst group of dullards occupies position of authority. ….. There are many capable Nigerians who if given the opportunity will lead the corrupt Nigerian Police into glory. (I will tend to agree with this, but not from within the current Police cadre) Okiro was appointed by a useless internal promotion process and not because he demonstrated any ability for doing the job. The right way for filling a position is by recruiting the best person for the job and that means those who will demonstrate their individual capability for getting the job done. …… I hope the British Police accept the responsibility to help. Most of the current force members will be re-interviewed and will be made to justify why they should retain their job. (Again, I am in agreement with this statement) …. and the way things are done in the UK is that everyone justifies why they should be employed even if the interview panel is composed of your relatives from the same parent. This and this reason alone is why UK and most western countries have made such progress and advancement.
I would say perhaps the way in which the IG sought to explain the reasons behind this move justified this opposition. In fact I do not expect him to be able to explain these things well to Nigerians in the first place, because he would be under constraint to speak the truth, as it may be.
Hear Mr Okiro, the Inspector General of Police, “The Nigeria Police was created by the British and therefore, inviting them for the purpose of assisting us in certain area of need should be likened to a son looking up to his father for help. The invitation of the British police should not generate any controversy. They were our colonial master. In fact, the Nigeria police was formed by the British government and like father and son, a son should look up to a father over an issue he feels he is not too experienced on. There is nothing wrong in inviting them. Nothing the Nigeria Police is going through now that the British police had not gone through. Is it crime, is it restructuring? Name them. The British Police went through restructuring in 1957 and the government sat and reformed the police. So it is not an issue.”
While there is some basis of facts in the statement, we the people know that the Nigeria Police Force, like many other Nigerian government institutions and departments, is a farce, not a force. The police in Nigeria are corrupt, but then, the society is also corrupt, I have written before. The men and women of the Nigeria Police Force are products of a corrupt society and system, so it follows that that they will be corrupt too. This is of course, not an excuse for them, but that is the fact. They have families; they have to survive in the harsh conditions of Nigeria, just like other Nigerians. They have to make do, and the only way they know, is “if you can’t beat them, join them”. They see politicians and other civil servants living beyond their means, embezzling money in the billions, sharing out perks and contracts between them, and they have to resort to roadblocks extortions, killing innocent civilians and running away from armed robbers who are better equipped than them. The men and women in the lower ranks see their “ogas” living well beyond their salaries, so naturally, they have to survive too on the highways.
The Nigeria Police Force is ill-trained, ill-equipped, ill-orientated, ill-paid, ill-motivated and not respected. These people work more than eight hours a day, standing on road blocks and just totting their out-dated weapons. Even the ones in the office never seem to leave for home at night. Are there set hours for them to work? Mind you, I still give them some respect. There have been many instances of uncommon bravery and honesty in a few patched. Recently, some courageous policemen were killed while battling armed robbers in various places in the country. What happened to the families they left behind? You ask me, if they will be well compensated for their irretrievable loss. Is there any kind of life insurance scheme or Government Grant or Compensation Scheme for policemen killed in the line of duty as in many Western countries? What exactly do policemen in Nigeria benefit from?
They are used by corrupt politicians to carry out nefarious activities, especially during electioneering. Their bosses pocket all the money. The 20 Naira collected on thousands of roadblocks around the country go very high up, if you don’t know. All monies collected on roadblocks must be accounted for, by some bosses up there in their corrupt headquarters.
Compatriots, it is time we faced up to the reality that a lot of things are not working in Nigeria, and needs external or divine intervention. To be frank, it is not a shame for one country to seek the assistance of another in several areas of governance. This is nothing new or something for countries to be ashamed of. There has been unilateral cooperation between countries of the world since time immemorial. Nigeria, as a country has sought it several times before and will continue to seek it. The United States, China, the old USSR and the UK, have sought help from each other and even from less developed nations to tackle one problem or the other. This is what is called International Cooperation, and it is something that happens everyday between countries.
Yes, it is an indictment of our police as a corrupt, ineffective, inefficient and totally useless law enforcement agency, and a shame on the officers, both serving and retired. It is an indictment of our Government too, but when we recognise our deficiencies and mistakes, that is only when we can correct them and move forward. These are precisely what the IG failed to address and get across to us. If he had admitted that his force are all these things, then people would understand where he was coming from and not lay into him like that. But Government officials are famous for speaking from the sides of their mouths, not articulate with stating the facts and are economical with the truth.
As it currently stands, it is not possible for the Nigeria Police Force to be reformed internally. This is because those who will be asked to reform it rose through the ranks – the ranks of corruption. They are or were part of the corrupt system, so they cannot reform it. They are devoid of ideas, they have vested interests, they are corrupt and morally bankrupt, they are too compromised and they are inept. So help has to come from outside. No Sir, we have been leaving it in their hands everytime, without any real change. Many Committees and task Forces and white and Green papers have been done internally on reforming the Police; what have heard about them. The best that some Inspector Generals have come up with is to change the uniforms. That is their idea of reforms; an exercise in futility and insincerity; a means of making money.
This outside help should also be qualified. What exactly are they coming to do? Is the help sought short or long term? What is our level of sincerity and desire to seek real and lasting help and desired reforms? How will the reforms be implemented, monitored and reviewed? Will the officers and men of the Police give them the cooperation desired and requested in order for the reforms to have real meaning and effect? Will our current corrupt officers not be afraid that a lot of skeletons will be exposed and thereby affect their jobs?
In carrying out the reforms, several corrupt and useless officers will have to go, and this will decimate the whole of the Force, since there will be many, if not the whole lot. Is this practicable or part of the intended reforms? Can the leopard change its spots? It is a Catch-22 situation, because after the reforms, the same corrupt, useless officers will still be left in the Force. Game on. Nothing has changed.
But we should give it a try. I think what needs to drummed into the heads of “Nigeria’s Finest” is that they need a completely new orientation. Their mode of training is outdated. Forget about their officers going abroad for training. This does not mean anything. Even if such officers want to adapt what they have learnt from abroad and translate it into action, the system will not let them. Another waste of resources.
The first thing should be their salary and compensation levels. Policemen and women must be well paid in order for them to perform effectively, efficiently and honestly. In fact, they must be paid higher than most other workers in the country. Then they will turn their backs on bribery and extortion. With the wealth of this country, it is amazing that policemen in this country are still not well-paid accordingly. It is a shame really. We are talking about security of life and property everyday, but the pay of the Police is still not being addressed. Yet, politicians are stealing billions of dollars.
Secondly, they must be trained and equipped properly. I don’t know what they teach them at the Police Colleges, but one thing I am sure about, is that they do not teach them that their profession is a noble one, and their remit is to protect and serve the Nigerian public. (Incidentally, I see this motto on their vehicles, and I could not help but laugh and see the sarcasm of it). Police work transcends a lot of things these days, and is highly technical and technology intensive. In a country where electricity is moribund, police work, and others like it, is severely hampered. For example, how many police stations in the country are linked by ordinary telephones, not to talk of computers? How many of the officers are computer-literate. I have seen inner city police stations lighted by lanterns. We have a long way to go and reforms are quite daunting, if you thing long and hard about the problems facing us.
Thirdly, we must have more police per head of population. We simply do not have enough to police the country.
Politicians also need to hands off the police, with the force being semi-independent. There is too much politics being played with the police by irresponsible and corrupt politicians, which has resulted in misery and death for the populace. Why, for example, should the Police be guarding people like Chief Adedibu or escorting him all over the place. Is he a government official? This is a waste of resources and smacks of political pandering and favouritism.
The name of the organisation should also change from Nigeria Police Force to Nigeria Police Service. The use of “Force” is outdated, politically incorrect and incompatible with modern definitions and norms. And actually, the Police are supposed to provide a service to the people, and should not be seen as an occupying force. This psychological change will also go down well with their customers – the Nigeria public.
Basically what I am saying is that we must invest in the security of life and property of the people of Nigeria, like we must invest in their education, health, food, water and other basic necessities of life. A contented Policeman is an efficient policeman.
David Bayley, in his book, Changing the Guard: Developing Democratic Police Abroad Oxford University Press, New York, 2005, posited that the assumption behind building democratic police forces is that "what the police do critically affects the character of government". The nature of policing in a country not only affects the lives of its citizens but also is an indicator of the character of the government. Furthermore, police actions have a profound effect on the vivacity of the political process. Subsequently, he presented four institutional reforms that he believes foreign assistance should promote in the police if the goal is a democratic government based on constitutionalism. These four reforms are as follows:
1. Police must be accountable to law rather than to government.
2. Police must protect human rights, especially those rights that are required for the sort of political activity that is the hallmark of democracy.
3. Police must be accountable to people outside the organization who are specifically designated and empowered to regulate police activity.
4. Police must give top operational priority to servicing the needs of individual citizens and private groups.
A police force that is democratically reformed supports democracy in two ways. First, a reformed police force is accountable to a diverse set of people, particularly individuals. Second, it enhances the legitimacy of government by demonstrating that the authority of the state will be used in the interests of the people. After all, the police typically act as the most visible representative of the government. Based on this, Bayley makes the insightful statement that the reform of police services would do more for the legitimacy of government than any other reform program - and the effects would immediately be felt. Reforming the police would be an exercise in futility if the rest of the system did not recognize their authority or work achieved. Furthermore, Bayley said, in post-conflict nations and failed states; there is often a perceived trade-off between providing security for the government and its citizens and undertaking institutional reform.
So this is not such a bad idea and should be given a chance.
The recent call by the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro, to invite the British Police to reform the Nigeria Police has met with a lot of opposition and righteous indignation by many Nigerians, judging by what I have read in the newspapers. However, honest, sincere and articulate Nigerians should see this as a “welcome development which will take the Force to its anticipated standard”, as the IG himself posited and tried to explain. It is a step in the right direction, if only it is sincere, well-thought out, planned and implemented, and not just another way of pulling the wool over our eyes.
I have read people opposed to this move shouting “racism”, “re-colonisation”, “neo-colonialism”, “waste of our resources” and all kinds of other political words. If we are sincere with ourselves, to deny the involvement of colonisation in the history of Nigeria and its Police Force is to deny our history, and thereby deny our very existence as a country and as a people. History is there for the purpose of reference, and should not be denied or tampered with. That is a basic fact.
As one “Paul” wrote in The Vanguard, Thursday 29 November 2007, “Mr Okiro's statement is a testament to the pervading situation in Nigeria where the worst group of dullards occupies position of authority. ….. There are many capable Nigerians who if given the opportunity will lead the corrupt Nigerian Police into glory. (I will tend to agree with this, but not from within the current Police cadre) Okiro was appointed by a useless internal promotion process and not because he demonstrated any ability for doing the job. The right way for filling a position is by recruiting the best person for the job and that means those who will demonstrate their individual capability for getting the job done. …… I hope the British Police accept the responsibility to help. Most of the current force members will be re-interviewed and will be made to justify why they should retain their job. (Again, I am in agreement with this statement) …. and the way things are done in the UK is that everyone justifies why they should be employed even if the interview panel is composed of your relatives from the same parent. This and this reason alone is why UK and most western countries have made such progress and advancement.
I would say perhaps the way in which the IG sought to explain the reasons behind this move justified this opposition. In fact I do not expect him to be able to explain these things well to Nigerians in the first place, because he would be under constraint to speak the truth, as it may be.
Hear Mr Okiro, the Inspector General of Police, “The Nigeria Police was created by the British and therefore, inviting them for the purpose of assisting us in certain area of need should be likened to a son looking up to his father for help. The invitation of the British police should not generate any controversy. They were our colonial master. In fact, the Nigeria police was formed by the British government and like father and son, a son should look up to a father over an issue he feels he is not too experienced on. There is nothing wrong in inviting them. Nothing the Nigeria Police is going through now that the British police had not gone through. Is it crime, is it restructuring? Name them. The British Police went through restructuring in 1957 and the government sat and reformed the police. So it is not an issue.”
While there is some basis of facts in the statement, we the people know that the Nigeria Police Force, like many other Nigerian government institutions and departments, is a farce, not a force. The police in Nigeria are corrupt, but then, the society is also corrupt, I have written before. The men and women of the Nigeria Police Force are products of a corrupt society and system, so it follows that that they will be corrupt too. This is of course, not an excuse for them, but that is the fact. They have families; they have to survive in the harsh conditions of Nigeria, just like other Nigerians. They have to make do, and the only way they know, is “if you can’t beat them, join them”. They see politicians and other civil servants living beyond their means, embezzling money in the billions, sharing out perks and contracts between them, and they have to resort to roadblocks extortions, killing innocent civilians and running away from armed robbers who are better equipped than them. The men and women in the lower ranks see their “ogas” living well beyond their salaries, so naturally, they have to survive too on the highways.
The Nigeria Police Force is ill-trained, ill-equipped, ill-orientated, ill-paid, ill-motivated and not respected. These people work more than eight hours a day, standing on road blocks and just totting their out-dated weapons. Even the ones in the office never seem to leave for home at night. Are there set hours for them to work? Mind you, I still give them some respect. There have been many instances of uncommon bravery and honesty in a few patched. Recently, some courageous policemen were killed while battling armed robbers in various places in the country. What happened to the families they left behind? You ask me, if they will be well compensated for their irretrievable loss. Is there any kind of life insurance scheme or Government Grant or Compensation Scheme for policemen killed in the line of duty as in many Western countries? What exactly do policemen in Nigeria benefit from?
They are used by corrupt politicians to carry out nefarious activities, especially during electioneering. Their bosses pocket all the money. The 20 Naira collected on thousands of roadblocks around the country go very high up, if you don’t know. All monies collected on roadblocks must be accounted for, by some bosses up there in their corrupt headquarters.
Compatriots, it is time we faced up to the reality that a lot of things are not working in Nigeria, and needs external or divine intervention. To be frank, it is not a shame for one country to seek the assistance of another in several areas of governance. This is nothing new or something for countries to be ashamed of. There has been unilateral cooperation between countries of the world since time immemorial. Nigeria, as a country has sought it several times before and will continue to seek it. The United States, China, the old USSR and the UK, have sought help from each other and even from less developed nations to tackle one problem or the other. This is what is called International Cooperation, and it is something that happens everyday between countries.
Yes, it is an indictment of our police as a corrupt, ineffective, inefficient and totally useless law enforcement agency, and a shame on the officers, both serving and retired. It is an indictment of our Government too, but when we recognise our deficiencies and mistakes, that is only when we can correct them and move forward. These are precisely what the IG failed to address and get across to us. If he had admitted that his force are all these things, then people would understand where he was coming from and not lay into him like that. But Government officials are famous for speaking from the sides of their mouths, not articulate with stating the facts and are economical with the truth.
As it currently stands, it is not possible for the Nigeria Police Force to be reformed internally. This is because those who will be asked to reform it rose through the ranks – the ranks of corruption. They are or were part of the corrupt system, so they cannot reform it. They are devoid of ideas, they have vested interests, they are corrupt and morally bankrupt, they are too compromised and they are inept. So help has to come from outside. No Sir, we have been leaving it in their hands everytime, without any real change. Many Committees and task Forces and white and Green papers have been done internally on reforming the Police; what have heard about them. The best that some Inspector Generals have come up with is to change the uniforms. That is their idea of reforms; an exercise in futility and insincerity; a means of making money.
This outside help should also be qualified. What exactly are they coming to do? Is the help sought short or long term? What is our level of sincerity and desire to seek real and lasting help and desired reforms? How will the reforms be implemented, monitored and reviewed? Will the officers and men of the Police give them the cooperation desired and requested in order for the reforms to have real meaning and effect? Will our current corrupt officers not be afraid that a lot of skeletons will be exposed and thereby affect their jobs?
In carrying out the reforms, several corrupt and useless officers will have to go, and this will decimate the whole of the Force, since there will be many, if not the whole lot. Is this practicable or part of the intended reforms? Can the leopard change its spots? It is a Catch-22 situation, because after the reforms, the same corrupt, useless officers will still be left in the Force. Game on. Nothing has changed.
But we should give it a try. I think what needs to drummed into the heads of “Nigeria’s Finest” is that they need a completely new orientation. Their mode of training is outdated. Forget about their officers going abroad for training. This does not mean anything. Even if such officers want to adapt what they have learnt from abroad and translate it into action, the system will not let them. Another waste of resources.
The first thing should be their salary and compensation levels. Policemen and women must be well paid in order for them to perform effectively, efficiently and honestly. In fact, they must be paid higher than most other workers in the country. Then they will turn their backs on bribery and extortion. With the wealth of this country, it is amazing that policemen in this country are still not well-paid accordingly. It is a shame really. We are talking about security of life and property everyday, but the pay of the Police is still not being addressed. Yet, politicians are stealing billions of dollars.
Secondly, they must be trained and equipped properly. I don’t know what they teach them at the Police Colleges, but one thing I am sure about, is that they do not teach them that their profession is a noble one, and their remit is to protect and serve the Nigerian public. (Incidentally, I see this motto on their vehicles, and I could not help but laugh and see the sarcasm of it). Police work transcends a lot of things these days, and is highly technical and technology intensive. In a country where electricity is moribund, police work, and others like it, is severely hampered. For example, how many police stations in the country are linked by ordinary telephones, not to talk of computers? How many of the officers are computer-literate. I have seen inner city police stations lighted by lanterns. We have a long way to go and reforms are quite daunting, if you thing long and hard about the problems facing us.
Thirdly, we must have more police per head of population. We simply do not have enough to police the country.
Politicians also need to hands off the police, with the force being semi-independent. There is too much politics being played with the police by irresponsible and corrupt politicians, which has resulted in misery and death for the populace. Why, for example, should the Police be guarding people like Chief Adedibu or escorting him all over the place. Is he a government official? This is a waste of resources and smacks of political pandering and favouritism.
The name of the organisation should also change from Nigeria Police Force to Nigeria Police Service. The use of “Force” is outdated, politically incorrect and incompatible with modern definitions and norms. And actually, the Police are supposed to provide a service to the people, and should not be seen as an occupying force. This psychological change will also go down well with their customers – the Nigeria public.
Basically what I am saying is that we must invest in the security of life and property of the people of Nigeria, like we must invest in their education, health, food, water and other basic necessities of life. A contented Policeman is an efficient policeman.
David Bayley, in his book, Changing the Guard: Developing Democratic Police Abroad Oxford University Press, New York, 2005, posited that the assumption behind building democratic police forces is that "what the police do critically affects the character of government". The nature of policing in a country not only affects the lives of its citizens but also is an indicator of the character of the government. Furthermore, police actions have a profound effect on the vivacity of the political process. Subsequently, he presented four institutional reforms that he believes foreign assistance should promote in the police if the goal is a democratic government based on constitutionalism. These four reforms are as follows:
1. Police must be accountable to law rather than to government.
2. Police must protect human rights, especially those rights that are required for the sort of political activity that is the hallmark of democracy.
3. Police must be accountable to people outside the organization who are specifically designated and empowered to regulate police activity.
4. Police must give top operational priority to servicing the needs of individual citizens and private groups.
A police force that is democratically reformed supports democracy in two ways. First, a reformed police force is accountable to a diverse set of people, particularly individuals. Second, it enhances the legitimacy of government by demonstrating that the authority of the state will be used in the interests of the people. After all, the police typically act as the most visible representative of the government. Based on this, Bayley makes the insightful statement that the reform of police services would do more for the legitimacy of government than any other reform program - and the effects would immediately be felt. Reforming the police would be an exercise in futility if the rest of the system did not recognize their authority or work achieved. Furthermore, Bayley said, in post-conflict nations and failed states; there is often a perceived trade-off between providing security for the government and its citizens and undertaking institutional reform.
So this is not such a bad idea and should be given a chance.
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