Corruption Has Come To Stay In Nigeria

Nigeria, it seems, is so bedevilled by corruption that it does not even know how to tackle the menace. In a case of glaring proportions it was discovered that oil marketers have been receiving payments for "invisible petrol". Some of the big names involved are Total, Oando and MRS.

In such a scenario the normal and lawful thing to do is prosecute the perpetrators. However, the Federal Government in her regular show of disillusionment has stated that instead of prosecution the amount found to have been collected unlawfully will be deducted from the amount owed the marketers.

Obviously there are two principles at war here; The principle of Diplomacy and The principle of Justice. The Government has, as expected, chosen diplomacy giving credence to the fact that there are "holy cows" or people who we can't afford to offend.

The question any sane -and uncorrupt- Government official will be asking right now is this: Why choose Justice over Diplomacy? Well the answer is quite simple. To change the clime of corruption that is systematically erroding our not so beloved country! By prosecuting the perpetrators the Government will be sending a clear message not only to the oil marketers but also to all people who are engaging in illegal acts that the Federal Government is not willing to tolerate such chiaroscuro acts anymore.

Mayhap I am asking too much of the Government.