“Even If Politicians Must Steal, Can’t They Steal A Little?”, by Isaac Asabor

In the labyrinth of Nigerian politics, corruption has entrenched itself so deeply that it has become an almost accepted norm. Despite countless efforts to eradicate this cancerous culture, it persists with a stubbornness that baffles even the most optimistic observers. The establishment of institutions like the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and its counterpart, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was heralded as a beacon of hope in the fight against corruption. Yet, despite the best intentions and efforts, the rot continues unabated.

The irony is not lost on the average Nigerian, who has seen anti-corruption slogans come and go, each time hoping that maybe, just maybe, this time it would be different. Yet, with each passing administration, the hope fades as the reality of unchecked looting and impunity sets in. It is within this context that an elderly man, disillusioned by the persistent theft of public funds, posed a question that encapsulates the frustration of many: “Even if politicians want to steal, can’t they steal a little?”

In fact, corruption in Nigeria is not merely a case of a few bad apples spoiling the bunch. It is a systemic issue that has permeated every level of government, from the highest offices to the smallest local councils. The magnitude of this problem is staggering. Transparency International consistently ranks Nigeria among the most corrupt countries in the world, with billions of dollars lost to graft annually. These funds could have been used to build hospitals, schools, roads, and other essential infrastructure. Instead, they line the pockets of a privileged few.

The sheer audacity of some public officials is difficult to comprehend. Stories of stolen funds stashed away in foreign bank accounts, luxurious properties owned by civil servants who earn modest salaries, and unexplained wealth that suddenly appears in the hands of politicians are all too common. It is this level of corruption that the elderly man pointed to when he wondered why, if politicians must steal, they couldn’t at least show some restraint.

Without sounding exaggerative in this context, the culture of corruption in Nigeria has far-reaching consequences that go beyond just financial loss. It has led to a breakdown in public trust, as citizens increasingly view their leaders as self-serving and disconnected from the realities of everyday life. This erosion of trust has created a climate of cynicism, where the public no longer believes that change is possible. This cynicism is dangerous, as it breeds apathy and disengagement from the political process, further entrenching the status quo.

Moreover, corruption exacerbates poverty and inequality. When funds meant for public services are siphoned off by corrupt officials, the most vulnerable in society are the ones who suffer the most. Basic services such as healthcare, education, and clean water become inaccessible, leaving millions of Nigerians trapped in a cycle of poverty. The elderly man’s lamentation is a reflection of the widespread frustration with a system that not only tolerates corruption but seems to reward it.

It will be recalled that the ICPC and EFCC were established with the noble goal of combating corruption and holding public officials accountable. While these agencies have made some progress, their efforts have often been hampered by a lack of political will, inadequate resources, and interference from powerful individuals. The question of whether these agencies have been effective is a complex one. On the one hand, they have successfully prosecuted a number of high-profile cases, sending a clear message that corruption will not be tolerated. On the other hand, the persistence of corruption at all levels of government suggests that much more needs to be done.

One of the key challenges facing anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria is the selective nature of their prosecutions. Critics argue that the agencies often target political opponents or low-level officials while allowing well-connected individuals to escape justice. This has led to a perception that the fight against corruption is more about settling political scores than genuinely cleaning up the system. Until this perception is addressed, public confidence in these institutions will remain low.

From a cultural perspective, corruption in Nigeria can be understood as a symptom of deeper societal issues. In many cases, corruption is driven by a sense of entitlement and a desire to maintain status and power. The elderly man’s question highlights a cultural acceptance of corruption as a fact of life, where the focus is not on eradicating the practice but on moderating its excesses. This acceptance is reinforced by social norms that celebrate wealth, regardless of how it was acquired, and by a lack of strong ethical standards in public life.

There is also a cultural dimension to the way corruption is rationalized. Many public officials justify their actions by pointing to the need to provide for members of their extended families, who often depend on them for financial support. This creates a cycle where corruption is not just tolerated but expected as a means of survival. Breaking this cycle requires a fundamental shift in societal values, where integrity and accountability are prioritized over wealth and power.

The media and civil society organizations play a crucial role in the fight against corruption. Investigative journalism has been instrumental in exposing corrupt practices and holding public officials accountable. However, journalists and activists often face significant risks, including harassment, intimidation, and violence. Despite these challenges, the media has continued to shine a light on the dark corners of Nigerian politics, ensuring that corruption does not go unnoticed.

Civil society organizations have also been at the forefront of advocacy for stronger anti-corruption measures. These organizations work to educate the public about the dangers of corruption, lobby for legislative reforms, and monitor the implementation of anti-corruption initiatives. Their efforts have helped to keep the issue of corruption on the national agenda, even when political leaders would prefer to sweep it under the rug.

Addressing the culture of corruption in Nigeria requires a multi-faceted approach. Strengthening the capacity and independence of anti-corruption agencies is essential, but it is not enough. There must be a concerted effort to promote ethical leadership and to instill a sense of responsibility in public officials. This could be achieved through a combination of stricter enforcement of anti-corruption laws, public education campaigns, and the promotion of transparency and accountability in government.

Moreover, there needs to be a shift in societal values. The glorification of wealth, regardless of its source, must be replaced with a culture that values integrity, honesty, and service to others. This is not an easy task, but it is essential if Nigeria is to break free from the grip of corruption.

The elderly man’s question, “Even if they want to steal, can’t they steal a little?” is a poignant reminder of the frustration and despair that many Nigerians feel. It is a reflection of the deep-seated cynicism that has taken root in a society where corruption seems unstoppable. But it is also a call to action; a plea for moderation, for sanity, and for future where public officials is held accountable for their actions.

Stealing, whether a little or a lot, is still stealing. But until Nigeria can address the root causes of its culture of corruption, the elderly man’s question will continue to resonate, echoing the frustrations of a nation that has grown weary of a system that seems incapable of change. The time has come for Nigerians to demand more from their leaders, to hold them to a higher standard, and to reject the notion that corruption is an inevitable part of political life. Only then can the country begin to heal from the wounds inflicted by decades of unchecked greed and impunity.