By Abiola Anyakunbi
Contributing Editor
Corruption is any conduct that is dishonest and fraudulent in nature; it normally involves bribery that may be in form of cash or kind. When put succinctly, corruption can be likened to a process by which a word or expression is deliberately changed from its original form to the one regarded as debased or erroneous. Inducement, compensation, appreciation, etc can be termed as corruption but it depends on the circumstances.
One thing that is clear is that the people who are involved in corruption are greedy, oppressive, overbearing, self centered and exacting. The situation looks frustrating, hopeless and disappointing. Unfortunately, we assume that only the politicians are corrupt but fail to realize that there seems no exception to this scourge.
And with the present crop of politicians, the hope seems dashed completely. Some of us are behind the misbehaviour of these politicians because avoidable pressure are being mounted on the political office holders. Once a friend is giving an appointment, his friends, relations, family members , etc often tell him to make “judicious” use of the opportunity. Our actions keep corrupting ourselves. Furthermore, we should all get involved in the process that throws up representatives at all levels and recall them if infractions are noticed.
Any meaningful progress in view of the monumental corruption in virtually all facets of our spheres is doubtful but it is summontable. Majority seems no longer interested in good name or legacy but instant wealth. Some have amassed wealth that can not be exhausted in their lifetime, all things being equal.
Both the traditional and social media have been busy churning out corruption cases in various sectors. This is highly disheartening. Regrettably, we are all complaining of corruption but when it works in our favour, it becomes a connection. If one has to sin in order to get a favour, then, it is no longer a blessing.
Corruption has been taken to a comic level but it has to be known that everything about it is not a joke. Most people ranting about this monster may even be worse because having similar opportunity may make what we are hearing to be a child’s play. They just constitute a mob mouthing anti corruption; labelling them as hypocrites therefore suit them.
We all have been delving into the subject matter without giving commensurate attention to the solutions because we need to kill it before it kills us. We need to do self assessment and evaluation in order to know whether we merit what we have acquired as at today. Some of us worth millions of naira in terms of earthly acquisitions but without correspondence to our actual and lawful earnings.
We should start from where we are presently; let’s stand for the truth, integrity, righteousness, honesty and God’s protection on all matters. Leaders in various capacities should learn how to be a shinning examples and should inculcate the habit of influencing people around them on the path of righteousness, honesty and truthfulness. Later or sooner, the ripple effects will be amazing.
Religious leaders have roles to play; they need to tell their followers repeatedly that they will account for their deeds on the day of judgment and that it pays to be truthful. It is high time we stated doing things rightly and pray for God’s guidance.
Materialism is the basis for corruption and wickedness. Until we deal with undue quest for money, tackling corruption will only amount to like cutting the tree by the stem.
Meanwhile, media being the amplifier of the corruption activities should be at the forefront of exposing corruption in both private and public sectors. They should hold people accountable. The usefulness of the press goes much wider than investigating abuses or even spreading “general news”; it lies in holding governments and citizens to account. They need to be tried in the court of public opinion.
Newspapers can cover a wide variety of fields such as politics, business, sports, arts, opinions, columns, cartoons, review of local services, etc; all these and more should be interrogated in order to expose the inherent corruption tendency. This means that media has to live above the board.
Eradication of corruption therefore starts with me and everyone else. Once we imbibe the culture of telling the truth always, the level of corruption will be reduced to the bearest minimum. Any action we prefer to be seen when engaging in should be continued and the actions which one’s right conscience will not want people see being practiced should be discontinued without hesitation. We can only eradicate corruption by leading by good examples.
Abiola Ayankunbi, MD/CEO, AbingMO3 Marketing Management Consultancy
0802 305 1315
abiolaayankunbi@yahoo.com
