Arise O Compatriots

AT the time of Nigeria's independence in the early 1960s, Nigeria was at par with Indonesia, Malaysia and South Korea in terms of level of development/underdevelopment. Malaysia bought one million palm oil seedlings from Nigeria and today Nigeria imports palm oil from Malaysia and heavy equipment from South Korea and Malaysia. How come? The reason is not far-fetched. While these three countries were carrying out far-reaching socio-economic cum political restructuring and combating corruption, Nigeria, which has had 30 years of military rule and 15 years of civilian rule, was rapidly sliding into the abyss of corruption and indiscipline.

In all developed countries, law and order as well as discipline are maintained irrespective of whether the government is under civil rule or dictatorship. But in Nigeria and many other underdeveloped countries, anything goes. Corruption, nepotism and indiscipline go hand in glove; "brotherisation" and sisterisation" are the order of the day. There is no certainty of sanction and as a result, offences are committed with impunity. Thanks to providence, Alhaji Nuhu Ribadu and his team are seriously addressing this issue today. It is a Herculean task but it is a duty that must be done quickly if Nigeria is to be safe from oblivion. What is extremely worrisome is that most African governments are corrupt and their leaders are "sit tight". Most of their ministers are only interested in stealing not in serving.

Corruption breeds indiscipline and vice-versa. These two vices have eaten deeply into the fabrics of our society and are responsible for most of the following: exam malpractice, unemployment, failed banks, bank robbery, plane crashes, 419, mismanagement of sports and Super Eagles' failure, illegal markets, collapse of buildings, NEPA failure, NITEL inefficiency, timid church and mosque sermons, poorly prepared graduates, abandoned projects, poor street lighting, poor public transportation, blocking of roads and highways with impunity and the "devil-may-care" attitude, and irregular payment of salaries and pensions, to mention only a few.

I am yet to be told why a man who approved a collapsed building is never sanctioned or disciplined even after he has left the service. Why is it that public officers who live beyond their means are never questioned by the supervising authorities, who in turn probably live beyond their own means? How does one explain who a state or Federal Government can flout a court injunction to stop action pending determination of a case?

Or why is a governor impeached by less than two-thirds majority as laid down by law? Does Nigeria have a different brand of democracy? This is gross indiscipline. It is an act capable of sending the wrong signals to the generality of Nigerian citizens that laws are made to be breached at will. This is also why armed robbery is on the increase. A responsible government is a law-abiding government and any act to the contrary must be condemned in the strongest terms.

When you approach a policeman for assistance, he sees you as a potential criminal until proved innocent. It is therefore a relief when you meet a really friendly, helpful policeman. It makes you feel that all is not yet lost. All of the above show that a lot needs to be done to redeem Nigeria from corruption and indiscipline. Some state governments, particularly the Lagos State Government, have launched KAI (Kick Against Indiscipline) campaign, but they need to train their staff well as some of their own staff are perpetrating the very crimes they are employed to eradicate. The Federal Government's effort via its Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is a welcome development. However, in setting up this all-important Commission one essential element is missing - the backing and support of the Commission by the National Orientation arm of the Federal Ministry of Information which seems to be in a coma. It has failed to educate the Nigerian public continuously via radio, television and print media on the attributes of a good Nigerian. Either it is under-funded or it squandered its funds on wrong projects and either one is unacceptable.

The time has come when we Nigerians must ask ourselves: "Who is a real Nigerian?" Is it the cocaine-pushing, 419er or a friendly, hospitable, hardworking God-fearing individual? Let us hope there are more of the latter than the former, both in and out of government. Why can't we be number one in solar energy development rather than in 419?

Finally, Nigeria needs a strong and enlightened public opinion group sponsored by our professional organisations comprising the Nigerian Bar Association, the Nigerian Medical Association, the Institute of Chartered Accountants, the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the Institute of Nigerian Bankers, the ASUU, the Nigerian Students Association, the Nigerian Chamber of Commerce, the Association of Nigerian Professors, the Association of Nigerian School Principals, the Nigerian Union of Teachers, etc. These organisations have been too laid back. They must remember that eternal vigilance is the price of liberty. They must therefore rise to assume their full power now. Democracy without a full complement of strong public opinion is a sham.