ANY right ' thinking person with discerning mind, as well as unquestionable mental status will readily admit that corruption and indiscipline are the most profound and most recurring problems that have seriously been militating against the socio-economic and political development of Nigeria over the years.Ninety-nine percent of Nigerians, irrespective of political, economic, religious, cultural, ethnic or occupational inclinations living in cities and rural areas lack discipline. This is the reason why nothing seems to be working in the country. This is why although there are laws and regulations guiding the conduct of everybody no matter how highly placed, but these rules and regulations are flouted with reckless abandon and automatic alacrity.This is why although there is a Constitution in place, copies of which are readily available even on the streets across the country, but contents of the constitution are not put into practice.Those in positions of authority, especially occupants of elective positions across the country have no respect for the constitution. Members of the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary have no respect for rules and regulations. It is therefore not surprising that even members of the Legislature at various levels ' Federal, States and Local Councils, who are supposed to make laws, treat the constitution with disrespect and disdain. By virtue of the fact that they are representatives of the people in various constituents across the country, they are expected to conduct themselves honourably, distinguishingly, creditably and humbly as exemplary models worthy of emulation. But instead of making laws for the country as lawmakers, they unashamedly exhibit unruly behaviourial traits that portray them as law breakers.Over the years, Nigerian leaders have failed to lead well. They are bad leaders. This is why bad leadership remains the most chronic problem adversely affecting the overall progress and development of the country.Nigeria lacks good leaders at various levels. Nigeria lacks courageous leaders. Nigeria lacks visionary leaders. Nigeria lacks dynamic leaders. Nigeria lacks honest leaders. Nigeria lacks sincere leaders. Nigeria lacks leaders that have foresight. Nigeria lacks intelligent leaders. Nigeria lacks brave leaders. Nigeria lacks leaders that are transparent. Nigeria lacks leaders that can take decisive decisions when they find themselves in difficult situations. Nigeria lacks leaders that can face intimidating challenges. Nigerian leaders lack the political will required to successfully confront dangerous socio-political and economic travails and come out unscathed. Nigerian leaders are generally colourless. This is why they cannot swim in troubled waters. This is why they have always failed to render useful services to the people and the country. This is why they always fail to fufill their electoral promises. This is why they have always failed to provide the citizenry the dividends of democracy. This is why they have always left the people poorer, more battered, more humiliated, more disappointed, more disllusioned and more distressed than they met them.It is for this reason that most of those regarded as leaders are the ones that brazenly have no iota of regard and respect for the laws of the land. They, along with their families, associates and cronies do not show good examples for others to follow. Nigerian leaders are bad role models.The rules and regulations are there but those in authority lack the political will to enforce the laws. This is why even the security agencies, as well as other law enforcement agencies most of whose functions overlap, are busy doing nothing. And because of corruption which has continuously eaten deep into the fabric of these agencies, the enforcement of the various laws has become impossible,When corruption has become the most leading social problem in a society, how can corruption ' ridden leaders and corruption ' infested law enforcement agencies successfully combat the highly destructive cancerous cankerworm' It is for this reason that corruption has remained as Nigeria's most problematic problem that has increasingly defied lasting solution. Over the years, corruption and indiscipline have continued to stall the growth, progress and development of Nigeria which has steadily been fumbling, wobbling and wandering in the political wilderness.When former President Olusegun Obasanjo's administration set up the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to fight corruption some years back, the generality of Nigerians finally heaved a big sigh of relief hoping that the hydra-headed problem was going to be dealt with, with a high sense of responsibility and sincerity.But throughout the life of the Obasanjo administration, no significant achievement was recorded in the fight against corruption. Instead, the EFCC, under Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who was Obasanjo's favourite appointee, was observed to be persecuting Obasanjo's perceived political enemies. Throughout the period, the fight against corruption witnessed a lot of motion without movement. The cankerworm assumed greater dimension that was never anticipated by right-thinking Nigerians.Then came the late President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua administration. With Ribadu out of office unceremoniously, Mrs. Farida Waziri assumed duty as EFCC Chairman.Being a woman who is also qualified for the job judging by her wealth of experience as a retired top police officer and lawyer, the womenfolk and many other Nigerians thought she would avoid the mistakes of her predecessor and reposition the anti-graft agency for improved performance.Waziri started well but now after just three years in office, it seems the EFCC, probably having been overwhelmed by some powerful political forces, as well as intimidating challenges in its operating environment, has derailed.There is no doubt that this is not the best of times for Waziri and EFCC, especially judging by the unending discordant tunes emanating from various sources across the country concerning how the anti-graft agency has been conducting its all ' important and sensitive operations.Although it is true that some powerful members of the political class, due to their selfish and devilish interests, will not want Waziri to succeed in her Herculean task, but some of the latest developments have exposed the EFCC, under Waziri, as an anti-graft agency that is out to persecute some innocent former public office holders perceived as political enemies of some powerful political juggernauts with overbearing influence on the government.The EFCC now seems to be fighting several wars at the same time and this will ultimately divert its attention from its cardinal goals. Which is why calls from certain quarters for EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to be merged are waxing stronger. Even the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Mohammed Adoke (SAN), is an unrepentant advocate in this regard. As expected, Waziri has consistently kicked against the move which also re-surfaced on the floor of the Senate last week.
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