- Corruption killing Nigerian development – Economist
- It can be defeated, says EFCC boss
By Olumide Olusegun, Oyedunmola Olakunle and Taiwo Niyi
The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has called for the death penalty to be imposed on corrupt government officials, asserting that such a measure would significantly reduce corruption in the country.
This call comes amidst optimism from the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, who believes that corruption can be eradicated through collective efforts.
“We can achieve peace, progress, and unity in a corruption-free Nigeria,” Olukoyede said, emphasising the need for concerted action against economic and financial crimes.
“Let’s keep building. Let’s keep attacking every threat to our progress. Let’s keep fighting economic and financial crimes together.
“The lessons of forbearance, sacrifice, faith and hope in Almighty Allah which Eid teaches should imbue in us fresh desire to please God and serve our nation without corrupt practices.
“We should renew our efforts towards fighting all forms of economic and financial crimes.”
In an interview with NATIONAL TELESCOPE, AFAN National President Kabiru Ibrahim urged the Federal Government to adopt capital punishment for individuals convicted of corruption.
He argued, “Countries like Singapore and China have achieved progress by adopting zero tolerance for corruption. If public officials face the death penalty for corruption, it would deter others. Our current lenient approach only allows corruption to thrive.”
Supporting this stance, legal expert Barrister Bode Iranloye highlighted the endemic nature of corruption in Nigerian society and the ineffectiveness of current enforcement measures. He suggested, “Introducing the death penalty, as in China and India, would make people more mindful of their actions. Currently, selective investigation and prosecution undermine our efforts against corruption.”
“We have a lot of legislatures that fight against corruption but the problem we have is the enforcement of that law, EFCC, and ICPC are case studies. Even in a very civil society where things are there working you don’t need all these agencies for the fact that we have them in Nigeria but take it or leave it we have selective investigation, selective prosecution and selective judgment.
“In our criminal administration in Nigeria, corruption goes by the day, corruption strives by the day.
“If we put the death sentence like in China and India, definitely we will now know that we are about to address it but take it or leave it, those that want to legislate or enforce it are the first culprits and that is why enforcement and fight against the legislators have not been working.
“Take a case study of Ekweremadu heart harvesting. When we are able to ensure that we put enforcement on whosoever is liable, let him be convicted and serve the jail terms. You will see that we will address the issue of corruption.”
Iranloye further criticised the prevalence of media trials and advocated for rigorous investigations and fair trials to ensure accountability.
He stressed the need to tackle both financial and official corruption, urging reforms to create a level playing field in employment and governance.
Also, Partners for Electoral Reform, a Civil Society Organisation, has expressed dismay over the ineffectiveness of anti-corruption agencies.
Ezenwa Nwagwu, the Chairman of the organization, highlighted several challenges, stating, “The political class lacks faith in our country’s democracy and is primarily focused on personal gain. While we have established anti-corruption agencies like EFCC, ICPC, and SERVICOM, what we urgently need is greater citizen oversight of public expenditure.”
Nwagwu pointed out the lack of accountability in local projects, saying, “For instance, when a road project stalls, local leaders—whether Imams, bishops, lawyers, or judges—often remain silent. Citizens do not inquire about the details of contracts or demand explanations for delays. There’s a pervasive apathy towards budget scrutiny across all levels of government.”
He emphasized that mere institutional responses to corruption are insufficient, calling for a shift in attitudes among the political elite. “Politicians must start believing in our country’s institutions. The ‘Japa syndrome’ isn’t about ordinary citizens; it’s about politicians sending their children abroad for education and healthcare, showing a lack of confidence in our domestic services.”
Regarding the suggestion of death penalties for corrupt politicians, Nwagwu dismissed it as mere grandstanding, asserting that such measures do not address the root causes of corruption. Instead, he advocated for enhanced citizen oversight, attitudinal changes among politicians, and reforming anti-corruption laws to ensure robust audit processes within government circles.
Meanwhile, an economic expert Dr. Akin Akindele highlighted the implication of corrupt practices to the economy, saying corruption if not stopped would continue to undermine the development of the country.
He also noted the plight of Nigerian farmers, noting, “There’s widespread sabotage affecting policy implementation, particularly in the agricultural sector. Genuine farmers are not receiving adequate support or inputs from the government, leading to reduced agricultural productivity.”
Akindele warned of potential food shortages and even famine if the situation persists. “The implications for the economy are severe, with food insufficiency looming large due to the discouragement of real farmers who lack the necessary support to farm effectively.”
