A vote for Ekweremadu
Acho Orabuchi
Dallas, Texas
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Corruption has been a clog that is putting a screeching halt to the economic, social, and political development of Nigeria. Our country is ranked one of the most corrupt nations in the world and everyone should not only be ashamed of that ranking, but also work diligently to turn this image around. Against this backdrop, it should not matter the ethnicity of the culprits, when the weight of justice bears on the perpetrators of corruption. In essence, no one should cry for or sympathize with those who steal public funds.
At this juncture, it is pertinent to emphasize the words of President Olusegun Obasanjo for obvious reasons. They captured the tapestry of the most significant indelible problem facing Nigeria. In addition, those words reflect the agitation of the masses that seethe in abject poverty while the leaders live in ill-gotten sumptuousness.
In his broadcast to the nation, the President eloquently pointed, “We must match our words with sincere, honest, transparent and serious action. Then, the world will take us seriously.”
Piqued by corruption that has pervaded the National Assembly, President Obasanjo enunciated, “It is the responsibility of the National Assembly to cleanse itself, to show to Nigerians that it deserves their respect, to rebuild public confidence, and to flush out those members who continue to derogate and degrade its integrity and stature. Because this has never been part of the Assembly’s agenda, past leaders of the Senate and the House got away with near murder and are now living in obscene opulence. Such opulence is without foundation except abused privilege of being a leader in the National Assembly for a few years. Their honour, integrity and credibility will remain impaired and dented no matter how they live and where they live and certainly cannot meet acceptance in the eyes of their Creator. In the final analysis justice will catch up with them.”
In any case, corruption is not limited to the National Assembly and the executive branch. It pervades the entire society and extends to Nigerians in the Diaspora. For instance, in an unprecedented awe, when Ndi-Igbo gathered in Dallas recently to raise money for the Igbo Center, the executive body of Igbo Community Association of Nigeria (ICAN) could not account for all the money collected that night. In informing the public, the president of ICAN, Atty. Bernard C. Nwaiwu said, “As you are probably aware by now, the success of the event was marred by an ugly incident that occurred towards the end of the night.” He continued, “I want to reassure you that we shall bear any burden, pay any price, overcome any obstacle, leave no stone unturned in order to bring the perpetrator or perpetrators to justice.” Notwithstanding Atty. Nwaiwu’s statement, some people still incensed about the incident are heaping a thick fog on the members of executive body by asking for their resignation. However, none of them has been fingered in the crime as the police investigation is continuing.
Those individuals that assail the policies designed to curb corruption out of sentiments or emotions are not prudent. Rather, every Nigerian should support the efforts of Alhaji Nuhu Ribadu and his Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) to stamp out corruption in the country.
Well, if the rhetoric of the President Obasanjo permeates the entire system to produce desirable actions, change would be hurriedly on the way. People’s attitude would change and they would be deterred to engage in any venal behavior. Could one imagine the condition of things in our respective towns and villages? While the villagers lack the basic amenities others entrusted with public funds steal them for their selfish ends. I support the action of the government to ensure accountability and transparency in all affairs of the government. However, in sanitizing the system, the government must ensure that the immunity clause in the constitution is expunged. There should be no immunity to corruption. In the same token, we should not let ethnicity or group association affect our fundamental right, the right to say the truth.
Pan Ndi-Igbo Foundation USA lent its support to the government policies in eradicating corruption. In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Geoffrey Nzeadibe, the group said, “PNF USA strongly supports genuine federal government policies to eradicate corruption in Nigeria. We encourage the government to start from the top to the local government level to flush out corrupt public officials. It is pertinent to eschew the perception of ethnicity when looking at corrupt public servants. The public should view corrupt public officials with disdain irrespective of their ethnicity. We should not have sympathy for them because of their ethnic group. It is everyone’s responsibility to help the government fight against corruption in every nook and corner of the country.”
PNF USA advised, “We use this opportunity to ask our brothers and sisters who are fortunate to get Federal appointments to reject the notion that bribery is a way of life in Nigeria. When you exhibit criminal tendencies, you have shamed NdiIgbo. These incidents could not have happened at a worse time, when NdiIgbo are mounting plans to get the plum position in 2007. We urge NdiIgbo in public service to emulate the footsteps of Dr. Dora Akunyili and Chief Simon Okeke, who are now completing five or more years with the administration without blemish.”
There are other people in the legislative body that have an impeccable character. For instance, Senators Uche Chukwumereije and Ike Ekweremadu have exemplified themselves in office. As corruption is prostrating our culture, as well as our socio-economic and political augmentation, Senator Ike Ekweremadu may be an ideal person for the plum office—Senate President, a public servant who can perform without reproach.
Senator
Ike Ekweremadu, elected and inaugurated on June 2, 2003 as a Senator of the
Federal Republic of Nigeria representing Enugu West Senatorial District, has an
impressive dossier in good governance. He served on the Aninri Local Government
Council in1997-1998 and was elected the executive chairman under the United
Nigeria Congress Party, (UNCP) where he received the Best Local Government
Chairman of The Year.
In 1991-2001, he was the Chief of Staff under Governor Chimaroke Nnamani where he demonstrated his tremendous skills in managing mélange of issues and dealing with idiosyncrasies arising from large bureaucracies. Because of his success and impeccable character, in 2001 he was appointed the Secretary to State Government (SSG) where demonstrated gamut of administrative and technical skills until 2002.
Since becoming a senator in 2003, Ekweremadu indicated, “I was appointed Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information. I was named member of four other standing committees of the Senate, namely, Ethics and Privileges, Niger Delta, Solid Mineral and Judiciary. The standing committees were dissolved in November 2003 and reconstituted in February 2004.”
“I was appointed Chairman, Senate Committees on Housing and Urban Development. I was named member of three other strategic committees, namely Judiciary and Human Rights, Internal Affairs and Independent Electoral Commission.”
As some people engrossing personal wealth through corruption, the masses continue to suffer in poverty—eking out a living with economic growth stalled, infrastructures dilapidated, and cultural values degenerated. In the midst of depraved conditions, there are honest public servants that should be commended. Uplift them whenever and wherever you encounter them. Senator Ekweremadu is regular to senate sessions and pays attention to business of the upper chamber.