Corruption in a democratic set up

Chief Onanefe James Ibori

Former Delta State governor, James Ibori, was convicted for corruption

Former Delta State governor, James Ibori, was convicted for corruption in the UK
Democracy we believe is the government of the people, by the people, for the people. So it is a government that involves everybody, the voters and the voted. In this kind of government everybody is a supposed politician. The dictionary described democracy as a system of government in which all the people of a country can vote to elect their representatives, fair and equal treatment of every one in an organization (party) and their right to take part in making decision. Therefore in a democratic system of government, everybody is a democrat. Everybody fight for justice and a true democracy. The democratic system of government is controlled by representatives who are elected by the people, but the people, the democrats must have an equal right to be involved in running the country. In a democratic government everybody are equal, and should not be divided either by money or social class. It is a pity that Nigeria had not been truly democratized yet, because of corruption.

George Orwell once said “A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves and traitors are not victims but accomplices” so when you are pointing a finger at the corrupt politicians and those pointed by them, remember that the rest of the four fingers are pointing at you. When you elect corrupt people in office, you have elected, untimely death for pensioners, road accident as a result of bad roads, you have elected lack of drugs in our hospitals, lack of jobs and suffering for the peoples etc. if we elect someone into a position because he or she is from our tribe or bought our vote with money, then we should not blame God for the hardship we imposed upon ourselves.

We must build a culture of integrity because integrity is central to achieving zero corruption and good development in our country. The leadership can’t be corrupted and the followers pure. Corrupt leadership produces corrupt followership. It is the corrupt leaders in all sectors and government that create opportunity for more corruption even among their followers. If we want the dividend of democracy, then we must elect the right and transparent leaders. There will be no end to corruption until we change our political system and how we elect them to office. We must stop “vote and collect money syndrome” now that 2019 election is almost close. The love of money is the root of corruption, lack of contentment its nutrient.

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If there is anything that kills democracy slowly, it is electoral corruption, which is worst than any other system of corruption. We must say NO to the type of election we had in the past, the election that is won and lost before it was held. We need transparency in out electoral system and accountability in the entire political system too, if we must enjoy the dividend of democracy. We want a true democratic leaders, leaders with the fear of God. The leaders that think and consider the people more than their pocket. God help Nigeria. I love Nigeria, I love Africa. What about you?

By
Dr. Paul Ifeanyi Udensi – 08023113064, 080382948490
Anti-Corruption Activist.

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