The consolidation of superlative corruption of the nation's political, Socio- economic system will come to an end if the right choice is made in the 2023 primaries and the general elections.
We live together in this great country and most hardcore political eggheads and the cabal elites in Nigeria know this blessed nation more than millions of other Nigerians. Rightly observed, the rule of law is being upended negatively to impact the on image of the incorruptible few. The consequences of hegemony of corruption as a major national order as established by the larger partakers will surely be an enormous task for the next President.
Corruption is becoming a way of life in the nation in a whole new method and manner, and I'm very sure this will be a major upheaval in the political history of Nigeria and far-reaching consequences will occur in all geopolitical zones.
It will only take an aggressive and progressive transformation to achieve a new national order, which must involve a geopolitical integration and a strategically sound President to reorganize, and break the jinx of corruption stranglehold on the nation's throat.
Yes, I am one of those advocating for a new political order and fresh agenda in Nigeria. The resounding slogan of, we must take back control of the system is becoming much louder as the people believe that their own destiny is no longer in their hands, so they intend to take it back control through their PVC in 2023. And the possible way to take back control of the system and implement a new national order is to totally abandon ethnocentrism and religious sentiments. For me, the people should hate the old-fashioned way of politics; and go for a more socio- politically imaginative President in 2023.
Let us take a retrospective view of corruption analysis in our beloved nation.
According to a recent economic survey conducted by the World Bank. It is estimated in a 2020 report that 87% of those that live in poverty in Nigeria are from the three geopolitical zones of Northern Nigeria (North East, North West and North Central). The situation is more severe in the North East and North West. Also, 66% of Nigeria’s 10 million out -of- school children are from Northern Nigeria. The North is top too on lack of access to primary health care services, clean water and other social amenities.
In the North, there is acute disparity in income distribution. Majority of farmers and other primary producers have very low income.
Attempts to escape poverty through hard-work is limited by lack of adequate social support system, as well as insurgencies that limit access to farmlands. Only few legitimate businesses are doing well and the few who make money from legitimate means are under massive social pressure as they are a few sanctuary in the plain of poverty. Majority of the population live in fear, panic and uncertainty.
Inasmuch as the World Bank's report as stated above are correctly stated, in my opinion, the findings already tallys with what is presently obtainable in other parts of the nation's geopolitical regions.
Tryst me on this, nothing of recent underscores the depth of the corruption quagmire in our country as the sordid details of those who publicly claim to fight corruption through legally constituted national institutions, are in fact, corruption personified themselves.
Some of the corruption cases we hear on daily basis are spectacularly interesting, because it reveals how audacious the corruption hegemony have become in the Nigerian system.
Corruption is so widespread and its cost to the country's economy is colossal and petrifying.
According to Price Water Cooper (PWC), a global consulting outfit. “If not arrested by 2030, corruption will be costing Nigeria 30% of her GDP, that is 200 billion USD, a whooping N100trillion (One Hundred Trillion Naira), about seven times our national budget.
The effect of this, is rampant poverty every where, illiteracy, disease and insecurity.
Analysts have argued that the total amount stolen represented more than a quarter of 2015 budget. Furthermore, using World Bank rates and costs, it was shown that, one third of the stolen fund could have provided 635.18 kilometres of road, 36 ultra-modern hospitals in each state, 183 standard schools, built 20,062 units of 2-bed rooms houses and educated 3,974 children from primary to tertiary level at 25.24 million per child, etc.
This goes to demonstrate a forward ever integration policy of Nigeria’s corruption Industry. For instance, it is estimated that the majority of Nigeria’s treasury looters are worth about $6 billion. This figure is almost 20 percent of the country’s foreign reserves as at February, 2016.
MY IDEA OF NIGERIA'S NEXT PRESIDENT:
My patriotic suggestion of a pragmatic President is fully supported by the ideals of anti- corruption crusader of blessed memory, Sheikh Uthman Danfodio who asserted that,
“A kingdom can endure with unbelief but not with injustice” “Victory is gained through justice and defeat comes through injustice”. The renowned cleric and crusader knew exactly what the society lacks and wants, and what manner of a leader that can bring about social justice and transparency.
In 2023, Nigeria needs a person who is more than a President, a person who has lived a practical life as religious and political leader, who's ethical values should centre on leadership and honesty. A man with fearless foundation and qualities of leadership which entails virtue, good conduct, justice, righteousness, and obligation.
The would be President must posses unblemished political values held in high esteem over the years and must have as his hallmark leadership values, process values and community service values. His leadership values must first and foremost be justice, kindness, modesty, integrity, honesty and service to all mankind. His most esteemed process values must include wide consultation, adherence to advices, obedience and self- restriction. And the would be President must have his community service values hinged on bonding unity, public interest, and welfare of the people.
This piece and it's contents are nationalistic as those are my opinion, and as a Nigerian, I also hold my opinion of who should be the next President of this great nation.
If you take a critical and comparative analysis of those who have made their intentions of contesting for President known; and those who are yet to, but are called to declare their intention. You will agree with my kind of next Nigerian President.
My stand is beyond ethno-religious and political view.. Nigeria needs more than a President in person of His Excellency Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, the current Minister of Transportation. I do not need to enumerate his administrative successes and fearless approaches to solving Local, National, and International economic issues. His attributes and works speaks for him.
I humbly join voices of Millions of Nigerians at home and Diaspora to urge His Excellency Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, declare to serve and salvage Nigeria your country as the next President in 2023.
Rowland N. Orlu wrote from Port Harcourt.
21/3/2022.
