Government Corruption has Robbed us of our Wealth, and Our Will

Nigeria gained independence in 1960 and was among the fastest growing economies in the World during the period. Despite tribal and religious differences at the time, a mutual understanding was forged that made everyone feel like a shareholder in the Nigeria project. That was until the coups began.

Successive military coups from 1966 till 1999 led to a period of massive stagnation and decline despite the discovery of enormous deposits of crude oil and natural gas. These minerals merely ushered in a new era of corruption where whole state treasuries were simply looted without questions. The famous 'Abacus loot was estimated at over $7 billion for instance.

The return of democracy in 1999 raised some hopes of a change in fortunes, despite the president an ex military ruler himself. While some level of progress was made, state sponsored corruption simply meant few tangible development references. Worse still, the impunious looting carried out by military administrations did not stop with the coming of a civilian government, it merely spread to more hands.

Broken People

As a people, we have been hardened by years of government disservice. Corruption now thrives in all spheres of the Nigerian space and the few remaining with the right moral standing can do nothing about it. Many have simply given up and there is now a mass exodus from the country, which is not sustainable nor fair on other countries.

With nothing changing over the course of successive administrations, Nigeria seems destined for an implosion unless something happens fast.