Activating the Koboko Revolution
Apart from institutional leakages where deliberate non-implementation of policies has continued to lead to porosity of public funds; brazen greed of unpatriotic public servants and sheer lust to climb the ladder of societal superiority are elements that have continued to rekindle the flames of corruption in Africa. Beyond these elements however, one behavioural attitude that continues to instill a desire for sharp practices, covetousness and outright fraud from generations to generations is the unholy glorification of looters in our society. We live in a shameful world; cruel and unfair; that neither encourages hard work, truthfulness nor reward perseverance and contentment.
We are the only one race in the world that do not outperform each other in terms of development or outdo one another in the area of innovation or advancement, but simply earn a bragging right where the poles of wealthy kinsmen are stuck side by side in a contest of wealth comparison. Few days ago, I was in Abuja and while minding my business, I overheard argument between two friends. The man on my right (I later got to know) is a kinsman of the immediate past Senate President of Nigeria, Senator, David Mark, while the one on my left hails from Kano State.
I was not privileged to the beginning of their discussion, but the bone of contention was ‘Who is the richer between David Mark and Rabiu Kwankaso (the erstwhile Governor of Kano State)?’ I watched in embarrassment how two men who obviously have never had any encounter with the two individuals in question nearly fought on a baseless point of argument. Our society does not only harbour corruption, it also encourages same. Today, President Buhari has renewed the long abandoned war against corruption, an exercise which revelations have left Nigerians gasping for breath and some cursing their maker for being partial in sharing opportunities.
But while the battle against corruption reigns, the needed torch to effectively cleanse our country of this cankerworm is to stop encouraging it. Rotimi Amaechi was right when he said that “politicians continue to steal because the people have failed to learn the skill to stone.” An ordinary ward councilor is expected to use his office, to amass enough wealth for his generations yet unborn. God save you if you are a local council Chairman and you are seen taking public transport after office or still living in a rented apartment. If you are not disowned by family members, neighbours and friends will easily conclude you are cursed.
Some say it is a cultural deficiency brewed from our tradition of respect and idolisation of elders in our society, but one question I keep asking is ‘Of what use has this long held tradition be to our development?’ For Nigeria to truly change, it is beyond the Buharis’of this world. Nigerians need to unlearn the ridiculous glorification of criminals and idolisation of common thieves who we have bestowed with the most reverend titles our society has to offer. The criteria for elevation of status in our society must go beyond mere luxuries and intimidating wealth. No man, no matter how highly placed deserves to be treated as a Supreme Lord.
Respect must be earned on the platter of dignity, wisdom, truth and sincere humanity. And while we are at this, we should go a step further to learn the act of horsewhipping. The Bible says in Proverbs 22:15 ‘Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him’. Same also is greed, corruption, and covetousness bound in the heart of politicians and public office holders, and the only antidote that stands the test of time is the rod.
Nigeria will be better-off when we all equip ourselves with horsewhips at public functions and events, at court premises and hearing, and at media meetings and get-togethers. We can invoke the change we seek in the heart of our politicians when we show actions. Just close your eyes and imagine the beauty of seeing people whipping Olisa Metuh as he leaves the court premises, imagine Sambo Dasuki being slashed by friends and foes instead of adoring his devilish act. Imagine Raymond Dokpesi being made to stoop to receive his share of ‘don’t be greedy’.
If disgracing and flogging common sense into politicians will make Nigeria better, then that we must do. While we stand beside them, trigger-ready to swing back and forth our arms, let us adopt a uniform phrase in that sweaty moment. Something like, ‘Stop killing our country!’
