If a man who stole a mere handset is burnt 2 ashes by an angry mob then what should be done to a man who peculate billions of naira?
Only a fool will hold a political office in my country without peculating a huge amount of money since it is very unlikely you will be caught and even if you are caught,it is very unlikely you will be convicted and even if you are convicted,it will be just a light imprisonment.
Political office holders here dont embezzle stupendous amount of money because they need it but because it is a free money. It has become a “maniac”. It is not dangerous at all.
Theres corruption in every part of the world;America,England,China e.t.c but the only difference is that while corruption is celebrated here,it is done in utmost secrecy in the aforesaid countries.While misappropriation of public fund is a felony in other countries,it is a just a misdemeanor in my country.
On 7th of August,2009 Li pei-ying,the chairman of Beijing Airport was executed after being convicted of misappropriating about £11million. In the same year,Nigerian,the chairman of Nigerian Port Authority,Chief Olabode George was convicted of mismanaging about #74billion(about £400míllion) and was sentenced to “just” two and half year imprisonment. And this is even the most succesful trial of corrupt politicians in Nigeria,most cases are dropped out of court after some time and the cultprits are only detained for short period of time.
Politìcal/public office holders are highly encouraged to malvasate public fund by our judiciary system. The lord acton’s wise saying: “Power corupts,absolutely power corrupts absolutely” is widely verifíed in Nigeria. Even if you had no intention of peculating public fund before you are appointed,you will surely change your mind when you get there because that is the order of the day.
Embezzlement is one of the least serious crimes in Nigeria.It is just a misdemeanor which attracts light punishment. Until corrupt corruption attracts a very heavy puníshment,misappropriation of public fund will never cease in this land and this society will never move forward.
