Former Minister of External
Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi says it is impossible for anyone to
become a billionaire in the country without engaging in corruption.
He is also of the view that until
government fights corruption with determination, it will be difficult
for the poor masses to enjoy the dividends of democracy.
Professor Akinyemi spoke during a
lecture entitled; “Leadership, Democracy, and Development” in Akure as
part of the activities marking the inauguration of Governor Olusegun
Mimiko of Ondo State for a second term.
Majority of Nigerian billionaires,
according to him, are promoting corruption, adding that the result is
that the present generation of Nigerians have lost hope in their
leaders.
The former minister said: “No one can be
a billionaire in Nigeria today without being corrupt. If you are a
businessman, you would have evaded tax or other levies like import
duties with the active connivance of those in charge.
“Your entire income as a political
office holder, either elected or appointed, cannot make you a
billionaire without indulging in corrupt practices.
“It is also not possible for you to work
and retire as a civil servant in whatever capacity and become a
billionaire without being corrupt.
“I know I am stepping on sensitive toes
but I can handle that. Unless our leaders tackle the issue of corruption
and offer selfless service to the people, our democracy may not produce
the desired development we are all expecting.”
Akinyemi lamented that Nigerians had
sacrificed their value system on the altar of greed, indiscipline,
selfishness and insatiable craze for material wealth.
Continuing, he said: “There are no more
values to hold on to. Parents not only encourage their children to cheat
in order to beat the system, but also aid and abet them in their
nefarious activities. No one believes anymore in the concept of society.
“Nigerians have created their own God in
their own image. In my youth, to be accused of theft or any other
criminal offence was tantamount to being banished from the society while
to be convicted was tantamount to suicide.
“However, today, no one asks for the source of wealth. People in jail, accused of murder, run for and win election.
“More than a score of members of the
Nigerian Senate have EFCC court cases hanging against them. Only in
Nigeria do you steal billions and escape with less than a million naira
fine.”
The former minister explained that
Nigeria’s problem which invariably led to its backwardness in all
ramifications, started after the military coup which displaced the first
civilian generation of leaders in the country.
His words: “Only three years after
independence, whatever system existed was shattered by the thoughtless
overthrow of the Western Regional Government and from then on, politics
of development was replaced by politics of looting.”
Akiyemi did not spare the judiciary,
saying criminals who should be in jail are moving about because the
judiciary has failed to play its role effectively.
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