Connect with us

society

Nigeria’s Broken Oath: How the Betrayal of Citizenship Fuels Endemic Corruption

Published

on

Nigeria’s Broken Oath: How the Betrayal of Citizenship Fuels Endemic Corruption.

By George Omagbemi Sylvester

In Nigeria, corruption is not just a crime; but a lifestyle, a daily routine and an unofficial creed passed from one generation to another. It seeps into the pores of the nation’s institutions and poisons the moral compass of millions. The same society that condemns petty theft from a soup pot turns a blind eye to billion-naira heists committed in government houses. What we see is not mere hypocrisy, it is the catastrophic collapse of the idea of citizenship itself.

The Nigerian pledge, once recited with pride in school assemblies, has become a cruel irony. Today, it might as well read:

“I pledge to Nigeria my country,
To be UNfaithful, UNloyal and DIShonest,
To exploit Nigeria with all my strength,
To promote her DISintegration,
And uphold her DIShonour and shame.
So help me Self.”

This tragic distortion is not satire; it’s a mirror reflecting the true behavior of many Nigerians, especially those in power.

Citizenship without Accountability, at the core of this rot is the failure of citizenship. In modern political thought, citizenship implies a reciprocal contract between the state and the individual. The citizen obeys the laws, pays taxes and participates in civic duties, while the state ensures justice, equity, protection and development. In Nigeria, this contract has been flagrantly breached.

As Professor Jibrin Ibrahim of the Centre for Democracy and Development rightly notes, “Corruption in Nigeria is not simply a breach of law but a failure of identity. Many Nigerians do not see the state as a representation of the collective will, they see it as an alien structure to be exploited.”

In such a system, politicians do not govern (they loot…civil servants do not serve) they extort. And the average citizen, already battered by poverty and disillusionment, is left to mimic these values in his or her daily struggle for survival.

A System That Rewards Rogues.
One of the most disheartening aspects of corruption in Nigeria is how society celebrates it, embezzLERS are knighted with chieftaincy titles and even money launderERS are praised at churches and mosques, furthermore convicTED fraudstERS contest and win elections. The message is clear: CRIME PAYS, AS LONG AS IT IS GRAND ENOUGH.

According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), over $400 billion has been stolen from Nigeria’s coffers since independence. To put that in perspective, that amount could have built world-class hospitals, modern railways, free university education for all Nigerians and still left billions in reserve. Instead, we have potholes, power outages and mass poverty.

Former EFCC chairman, Nuhu Ribadu, once declared: “When you fight corruption in Nigeria, corruption fights back.” But today, corruption no longer fights back, but simply sits on the throne.

The Curse of Selective Justice.
Despite the existence of anti-corruption institutions like the EFCC, ICPC and Code of Conduct Bureau, few high-profile convictions ever lead to true justice, probes often end in silence and trials are endlessly adjourned. Plea bargains allow BILLION-NAIRA thievES to walk free after returning a fraction of what they stole.

For example, Abdulrasheed Maina, former chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team, was convicted in 2021 for embezzling over ₦2 billion in pension funds. Yet, how many other high-profile politicians and governors walk freely, even after damning evidence of graft? How many are shielded by immunity, political party protection or simply “TECHNICALITIES” in the courts?

Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, himself removed in controversial circumstances, once lamented: “When the judiciary is under pressure or compromise, the battle against corruption is already lost.”

A Culture of Silence and Survival.
Beyond the elite, the rot trickles down to ordinary Nigerians, bribery is the unofficial language of public service. To get a passport, you pay a bribe. To pass a police checkpoint, you pay a bribe. Even to bury the dead in some local governments, you must “settle” officials. Corruption has become institutionalized because many have given up on the system and are simply trying to survive.

In 2023, Transparency International ranked Nigeria 145th out of 180 countries on the Corruption Perceptions Index. This is despite repeated promises of reform by successive administrations. Why? Because anti-corruption in Nigeria is often weaponized against political opponents, not used as a sincere tool for national transformation.

The Psychology of a Broken People.
What happens when citizens no longer believe in the idea of Nigeria? When young people chant “japa” as their ultimate dream (to escape the country by any means necessary) it is a glaring sign of systemic failure. Loyalty, patriotism and responsibility are luxuries the oppressed can no longer afford.

As Chidi Odinkalu once remarked during a civil society forum, “A country that punishes honesty and rewards impunity cannot claim to have a future.” In Nigeria, many have died silently-morally, mentally and spiritually. The young are growing up in a society where theft in public office is normalized, where decency is mocked and where hard work rarely leads to success unless lubricated with corruption.

The Way Forward is a Revolution of Values.
The only solution to Nigeria’s corruption crisis is a radical rebirth of civic consciousness, we must begin by re-teaching citizenship, not just as a subject in schools but as a living creed. Leadership must become about service, not self-enrichment. Institutions must be allowed to work, not sabotaged by politics.

As Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, former Minister of Education and anti-corruption crusader, puts it: “Until citizens understand that the office of the citizen is the highest in the land, the politicians will continue to abuse power.”

Nigerians must stop worshipping money and start demanding integrity. Communities must ostracize thieves not celebrate them. Religious leaders must stop blessing looters and start confronting them. And most importantly, we must change the narrative that “everyone is corrupt.” That fatalism only feeds the problem.

Awakening the Nigerian Conscience

To reclaim Nigeria, we must rewrite the pledge, not on paper but in action. Let every citizen pledge:

“I pledge to Nigeria my country,
To be faithful, loyal and honest,
To serve Nigeria with all my strength,
To protect her unity and uphold her honour and glory; So help me God.”

But such a pledge must be matched with COURAGE, the courage to demand justice, courage to vote wisely, courage to expose corruption and courage to believe that a better Nigeria is POSSIBLE with oneself.

Until then, Nigeria will remain a nation where citizenship is a mockery, governance is a scam and corruption is the true constitution.

Let us rise from this self-imposed curse. Let us choose conscience over convenience. Let us become citizens and not spectators.

Nigeria’s Broken Oath: How the Betrayal of Citizenship Fuels Endemic Corruption.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester

Continue Reading
Advertisement

society

Oyo 2027: Ajadi Secures Oke-Ogun PDP Backing, Holds Closed-Door Talks with Samuel Adejumobi (Agbarapo)

Published

on

Oyo 2027: Ajadi Secures Oke-Ogun PDP Backing, Holds Closed-Door Talks with Samuel Adejumobi (Agbarapo)

 

Stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Oke-Ogun zone of Oyo State on Tuesday received a leading governorship aspirant, Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, in Saki, pledging political backing for his ambition ahead of the party’s primaries.

 

The stakeholders’ meeting, held at Saki City Hall, drew party leaders, community figures, and grassroots mobilisers from across the zone, reflecting the growing momentum surrounding Ajadi’s consultations across the state.

 

Addressing party faithful, Ajadi reiterated his commitment to building on the achievements of the current administration led by Governor Seyi Makinde, noting that continuity and expansion of ongoing projects would form the cornerstone of his policy direction.

 

“I will leverage the developmental strides of the present administration and ensure that their impact is extended to more communities across the state. Governance must be progressive, not disruptive,” Ajadi stated.

 

He outlined key areas of focus, including workers’ welfare and pension administration, promising a disciplined financial structure that guarantees prompt salary payments.

 

“Our workers deserve dignity and certainty. Salaries will be paid on or before the 25th of every month, and our retirees will receive improved attention. A government that neglects its workforce cannot deliver sustainable development,” he added.

 

Ajadi also disclosed plans for extensive grassroots engagement across all 33 local government areas of the state, aimed at identifying peculiar needs and integrating them into policy formulation.

 

“This is not just about ambition; it is about understanding the people. I will be embarking on a statewide tour to listen, learn, and design policies that reflect the realities at the grassroots,” he said.

 

Party leaders and stakeholders from Saki West and the wider Oke-Ogun zone pledged their support for Ajadi, citing his accessibility, philanthropic engagements, and perceived capacity to lead the state. Among those who spoke were Alhaji Rasak Aderele (popularly known as Super), Adeleke Thomas (Baba Elepo), and Hon. Coach Kehinde Adetola, who described him as a unifying figure capable of strengthening the PDP’s electoral chances.

 

Addressing concerns about internal party dynamics, Ajadi reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP, dismissing speculation about a possible defection.

 

“I remain committed to the PDP. This is my party, and I believe in its vision. My focus is on securing the mandate of our members through consultations and consensus-building,” he said.

 

Shortly after the stakeholders’ engagement, Ajadi proceeded to a closed-door strategic meeting with a fellow PDP gubernatorial aspirant, Samuel Ademola Adejumobi, popularly known as “Agbarapo.”

 

Adejumobi, a prominent political figure from Atisbo Local Government Area in the Oke-Ogun zone, is a former Majority Leader of the Oyo State House of Assembly and currently serves as Special Adviser on Legislative Matters to Governor Makinde. The meeting, held indoors away from the larger gathering, was seen as part of ongoing consultations and alignment efforts among aspirants within the party.

 

Observers note that such high-level engagements signal a strategic attempt to foster unity and strengthen internal cohesion ahead of the PDP governorship primaries.

 

With growing grassroots support and intensified consultations across Oke-Ogun and beyond, Ajadi’s political activities continue to gather pace, positioning him as a formidable contender in the race for the party’s ticket.

Continue Reading

society

Four Times Primate Ayodele Warned About Resurfacing Of Covid-19 In Nigeria (VIDEOS)

Published

on

W’ Cup Qualifiers: How Super Eagles Coach Ruined Nigeria’s Chances by Ignoring Primate Ayodele’s Warnings* By Adedayo Olumide

Four Times Primate Ayodele Warned About Resurfacing Of Covid-19 In Nigeria (VIDEOS)

 

Nigerians have been gripped by fear since the report of the COVID-19 variant in Cross River.

The Cross River State Ministry of Health has begun profiling and tracing individuals in the state who have been in contact with a Chinese national admitted after testing positive for the COVID-19 virus.

Not many people expected this to happen in Nigeria, because since 2020 when the global pandemic happened, there hasn’t been a single case of the virus in the country until yesterday, about five years later.

However, despite the fact that Nigeria was declared Covid-19 free, popular Nigerian prophet, Primate Elijah Ayodele, warned about three times that he foresees the virus coming back to Nigeria.

In his first prophecy regarding it, he warned that Nigerians should not pray to see Lassa fever and Covid-19 coming back in some areas.

“Let’s pray so that we don’t see Lassa Fever again. Let’s pray so that Covid will not come back in some areas”

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS9dYjCMS/

This wasn’t given attention by many because it felt Nigeria has been immune to the virus. Everyone went about their business as usual, and in the midst of all that, Primate Ayodele warned intensely again.

“Let’s watch this for the World Health Organization, I see airborne disease, Covid in another dimension that can cause cough, cold, air disease, it’s a warning and that’s what the Lord said.”

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS9dj5UL5/

This time, he specifically called out the World Health Organization about re-occurrence of Covid; and gave directions regarding how it would happen. He also emphasized that it was what the Lord said, but how many people actually listen?

Again, during a church service, Primate Ayodele warned that Covid is coming and will happen in a different way compared to the previous one. He made it known that the way of contacting it will be different from the previous one.

“Also, Covid is coming, but the way it’s going to come will be different from the way we experienced it that time. The process of contacting it will be different from the previous one.”

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS9djao7v/

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS9djao7v/
Likewise, in his annual prophecy book titled Warnings to the Nations, Primate Ayodele warned that another round of COVID is coming. This book was released in July 2025.

“Another round of COVID will come up, and another disease epidemic. I foresee that a lot of money will be spent, and they will face some challenges in getting things right. The workers of this Body will be attacked, and there will be changes in leadership” (Page 36)

All of these have fulfilled the prophecies of Primate Ayodele. Beyond the prophecy fulfilment, this is a call to relevant authorities to always listen when God is warning them about anything through his prophet.

Continue Reading

society

Nigerian Prophet Begs Federal Government to Stop Killing of Christians, Backs Tinubu’s Second Term

Published

on

Nigerian Prophet Begs Federal Government to Stop Killing of Christians, Backs Tinubu’s Second Term

 

Abuja – Rev Prophet Dr Hungbenu Michael Olusegun, Founder of Celestrial Deliverance Church of Christ in Zhidu Village, Abuja, has made an emotional appeal to the Federal Government to stop the killing of Christians across Nigeria while also throwing his weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office.

 

Speaking from his Abuja headquarters, the Prophet declared that leadership is a continuum and that Nigeria’s ongoing reforms require stability and time to bear fruit. He said, “Politics has nothing to do with religion. The ballot box is not the altar. Whether you are from the East, the North, the West, or the Yoruba community, we are one people under God.”

 

Rev Prophet Dr Hungbenu Michael Olusegun used the opportunity to make a special appeal to the Federal Government, saying, “I beg the Federal Government, in the name of God and for the sake of humanity: Please help stop the killing of Christians across this nation. From the villages to the cities, too much innocent blood has been shed. Targeted attacks on Christian communities must stop. We plead for stronger protection, justice for victims, and lasting peace.” He acknowledged the pain of insecurity, especially the killing of Christians and farmers across the Middle Belt and Northern Nigeria, but also noted verifiable security gains under President Tinubu including over 3,000 hostages rescued from bandits and terrorists in the last 12 months, deployment of new attack helicopters and surveillance drones to flashpoints, and a reduction in oil theft from over 400,000 barrels per day to under 200,000 barrels per day.

 

He said, “The issue is security, and security is everybody’s business. We cannot build a nation if our people are not safe. But we must also acknowledge progress.” He added that a second term would allow the administration to consolidate its security architecture rather than restarting with new leadership.

 

On economic reforms, Rev Prophet Dr Hungbenu Michael Olusegun argued that President Tinubu’s first term has witnessed the most audacious economic reforms in Nigeria’s recent history, including fuel subsidy removal saving the nation over ₦400 billion monthly, a unified exchange rate attracting over $2 billion in foreign portfolio inflows, the Student Loans Act benefiting over 100,000 students, and local government autonomy. He argued that no major economy in the world has successfully reversed course after landmark reforms within a single term, adding that abandoning the reform agenda now would plunge Nigeria back into uncertainty.

 

Rev Prophet Dr Hungbenu Michael Olusegun stressed that President Tinubu’s emergence broke a dangerous cycle, noting that Tinubu is the first Southern Muslim to lead Nigeria since 1993, balancing power after eight years of a Northern President. He pointed out that under Tinubu, the South holds the presidency of the Senate but the Speaker of the House is from the North-West. He urged, “Let the East join hands with the West. Let the North embrace the South. Let the Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, and all 250 plus tribes say: ‘Nigeria first.’”

 

Drawing comparisons to global examples such as India’s Narendra Modi, Rwanda’s Paul Kagame, and Indonesia’s Joko Widodo, the Prophet argued that second terms deliver long-term prosperity. He said, “Nigeria is not an exception. If we change leadership every four years, we will remain a building site forever.”

 

Rev Prophet Dr Hungbenu Michael Olusegun closed with a prayer and a charge: “Nigeria will only rise when we rise above division. I am not speaking as Ogu, Yoruba, Igbo, or Hausa. I speak as a Nigerian, and as a minister of the gospel of peace. God bless President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” He urged all Nigerians to pray for the nation, support security agencies, and give President Tinubu the opportunity to complete what he has started. The press release was issued on 20th April 2026 from his church in Zhidu Village behind Piwoyi Village off Lugbe Airport Road, FCT Abuja.

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending