Accountability and Responsibility From the Top:

The kind of re-branding we need

PART TWO (Conclusion)

By Oliver Mbamara

     Incidentally the type of irresponsibility and lack of accountability evident in Nigeria’s financial sector cuts across other sectors of the country’s leadership and management. It has to be pointed out that an isolated effort to cleanse it will only bring about little if any success to get the country out of the pit of leadership mismanagement and the consequential socio-economic impasse. Every other sector of leadership in Nigeria has to be addressed.

In March 2002, I wrote an article titled, “Investing in Nigeria (and Africa): The security question,” in which I said the following:

“It is only upon a solid foundation of peace and security of life and property that economic and political stability can be built to last. I look forward to the day our leaders would make safety and security their utmost priority for their country (not just around the leaders themselves). Employ more policemen, arm and train them better, but above all pay them well to attract more recruits and discourage bribery - there are many young men and women wasting away, yet willing and able to grab a police job anytime. It is said, 'the idle mind is the devils workshop.' When the youths have no jobs after their education, they easily accept an offer of a token fee to carry out violence and mayhem. It baffles me that our leaders have continued to ignore this obvious equation.

A comfortable state of security (not necessarily a perfect state, for that cannot be obtained on earth) will encourage the millions of Africans abroad to find the confidence to come home and to invest in the African economy. If we Africans can get to such level on our own, a lot of improvement will follow. Other investors will find the confidence to invest in Africa. That will provide more jobs, good roads, infrastructures, and sustenance. And once again, the continent that once led civilization will be on its feet.”

Just two months after the above article was published, the then Inspector General of Police (IGP) set up what was then called the “Ghost Squad.” I then followed with another article titled "Ghost Squad," How realistic? In the same article, I said the following:

“The idea of a "Ghost Squad" has all the elements of a realistic approach in the treatment of the malaise of corruption and irresponsibility that has plagued the Nigerian society. It addresses one of the main roots of the problem - lack of exemplary discipline and accountability within the rank and file of government and law enforcement (or peace maintenance) arms. To that end, this article calls on other arms such as the Army, Customs, SSS, etc. to also instill a new internal cleansing mechanism. For a crusade to be successful, it must start from within, and then reach out. For a new secure Nigerian society, all hands must be on deck, not just the Police Force.”

“However, the IGP and his men need some time. It would take perhaps a couple of weeks or months for one to practically score the success or failure of both the "Ghost Squad" and "Operation fire for fire." Things will not get better overnight and the IGP must not relent in his zeal. As we approach the 2003 elections, the real test for the 'new' Nigerian Police Force is yet to come.”

Of course, the test came and sorry to say, the result? Failure! The IGP was later exposed to have been involved in repeated bribery and to have diverted Police money to his pocket while crime rates spiraled and Police officers remained unpaid and unequipped. Was the IGP brought to book to face consequence of his actions that led to many more people dying for crimes that could have been avoided or for making the nation suffer the negative effects of crime waves and an insecure society that turned away investors? After about six months in prison, the IGP came out to proudly proclaim that he “will be back.”
Lest we forget, about the time, Chief Bola Ige who was the Attorney General of the federation was shot and killed in his home and till today, the culprits have not been brought to book, just as many otherwise solvable murders remain unsolved. Shouldn’t we be talking about a re-branding (or re-orientating) of the Nigerian Police (prosecution) and justice systems?

We need not forget the role of the legislature in allowing some of these atrocities to go on while the average Nigerian continues to suffer in poverty, insecurity, poor health, and without basic amenities and infrastructures despite belonging to Africa’s largest oil-producing country. Shouldn’t we be talking about a re-branding (or re-orientating) of the Nigerian legislature?

In the end, re-branding maybe good for Nigeria, but it has to start from the top. Why must the average Nigerian and those suffering at the bottom be the ones to suffer the consequence of a mismanaged nation and yet be the ones called upon first to make any sacrifice?

This is only my opinion.
 

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About the Author: Oliver O. Mbamara, Esq., is a filmmaker, writer, and publisher. He is also a judge with New York State, OAH.

©September 2009 Oliver Mbamara 

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