society
Nigeria’s Broken Oath: How the Betrayal of Citizenship Fuels Endemic Corruption
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.
society
Police Track Down Suspect In Viral Defamation Case, Reaffirm Commitment To Justice
Police Track Down Suspect In Viral Defamation Case, Reaffirm Commitment To Justice
The Nigeria Police Force has apprehended a suspect linked to a viral social media video containing serious and unsubstantiated allegations against transport union leader, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya.
The arrest followed a formal petition submitted by Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, who called for a discreet and thorough investigation into what he described as a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation. The petition was prompted by a Facebook video circulated by one Jamiu Akinsanya, also known as Siyan, a factional member of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). In the video, the suspect falsely alleged that MC Oluomo was involved in the murder of a pregnant woman in the Oshodi area of Lagos.
Acting swiftly, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Federal Intelligence Department (FID) directed an immediate investigation. Operatives of the FID Intelligence Response Team (IRT), led by CSP Kasumu Rilwan, commenced a coordinated manhunt, which culminated in the suspect’s arrest in the Ikorodu axis of Lagos State.
Police sources disclosed that upon his arrest, the suspect admitted that the allegations contained in the viral video were entirely fabricated. He reportedly expressed remorse and appealed for leniency during interrogation.
Subsequently, the FID/IRT Legal Officer, A.O. Fadipe, obtained a remand order from the Igbosere Magistrate Court to enable further investigation and facilitate the arrest of any other individuals connected to the case.
The suspect has since been remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre.
society
React To Your Donation Rumour Of SUV Car Meant For Monarchs To Individual, Group Tells Ogun Women Affairs Commissioner
React To Your Donation Rumour Of SUV Car Meant For Monarchs To Individual, Group Tells Ogun Women Affairs Commissioner
In what it described as rumour, a concerned group under the aegis of ‘The Good People of Agbado Community’ has called on the Ogun state Commissioner for women affairs and social welfare, Hon. Adijat Motunrayo-Adeleye to react to the alleged SUV car meant for traditional rulers, been donated to one Mr. Oladayo Shyllon in the community.
The group, in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman, Elder’s Council of the group, Amodu Theophilus Olayiwola JP tittled ‘SUV Allocation to Mr Oladayo Shyllon (An Error Awaiting Correction) described the development as imposition of the said person, who has been removed as an Oba by a court of competent jurisdiction, to deprive the respected obas of their rights.
You will recall that, on the 9th of April, the state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun distributed 40 SUV Cars to ogun monarchs to enhance their mobility in a show of appreciation of support given to his administration.
It recalled that, It is on record that Mr. Shyllon filed an appeal which is still pending in the court of appeal Ibadan Suit No. CA/IB/75/2000, noting that, the last Ogun State chieftaincy law recognized only Olu of Agbado, and Alagbado of Agbado is not known to Agbado people and not recognized by government gazette.
The group however, threaten to work against the commissioner in her interest to contest for House of Representatives for Ifo/Ewekoro Federal constituency.
“It is my believe that Ogun state is not an animal kingdom where people just act out their personal desire with disregard for the rule of law and the judicial system, Olayiwola stated”.
“It is important you make categorical and clear statement to the people so we do not begin to see you as an enemy of the people and equitable justice”, he added.
“We know our vote is our power, if you don’t respond to this damaging allegation, we shall surely mobilize against you as the race to 2027 heats up”, he threatened.
Reacting to the development, the commissioner denied and distanced herself from the allegation, and challenged the group to do their findings and act on any outcome, pointing out that, she is not the state governor the at distributed cars to buy he monarchs.
According to her “I’m not Ogun state government, and if they have any issue, they should direct it to the government. They are just shallow minded. I didn’t donate any car to anyone, they should go and get their fact right, because i don’t know what they are talking about
society
A GOVERNOR AMONG THE PEOPLE: HOW MOHAMMED UMARU BAGO IS REDEFINING POWER, UNITY, AND GRASSROOTS GOVERNANCE IN NIGER STATE
A GOVERNOR AMONG THE PEOPLE: HOW MOHAMMED UMARU BAGO IS REDEFINING POWER, UNITY, AND GRASSROOTS GOVERNANCE IN NIGER STATE
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago is steadily rewriting the playbook of leadership in Niger State, anchoring governance not in distance or elitism, but in proximity, inclusion, and direct engagement with the people.
His administration has reinvigorated traditional institutions by consistently engaging emirates and royal fathers as active partners in governance. Beyond symbolism, these engagements reflect a participatory model rooted in cultural legitimacy and community trust.
Security remains central to his agenda. Regular high-level meetings—bringing together security agencies, traditional rulers, and key stakeholders—serve as operational platforms for coordination and response. Backed by funding and follow-through, this collaborative approach underscores his belief that unity is essential to achieving lasting peace.
In a politically and socially diverse state, Governor Bago has projected a bridge-building leadership style. He has repeatedly emphasized that religion must not be exploited as a tool for division or an excuse for failure. By maintaining visible engagement with both Muslim and Christian communities, his administration promotes inclusion and mutual respect.
His grassroots approach to governance is one of his defining traits. Within a relatively short period, he has visited all 25 Local Government Areas—more than once—taking governance directly to communities. These visits go beyond routine inspections; they involve listening, resolving immediate concerns, and maintaining a physical presence. From crossing rivers by ferry to reach remote areas like Agwara to spending extended time in rural communities, he has narrowed the gap between leadership and citizens.
Politically, he has prioritized cohesion over factionalism. His engagement spans national figures to ward-level stakeholders, reflecting an inclusive style. His support for women in governance is evident in the emergence of female vice chairpersons across the 25 LGAs, while his outreach to past and present leaders signals continuity and respect for institutional memory. His appointments, often extending beyond close allies, reinforce a broader message of collective ownership of governance within the All Progressives Congress.
Beyond policy, Governor Bago’s leadership carries a personal dimension. He is widely noted for acts of compassion—supporting families in times of need, assisting with medical and educational challenges, and offering help without publicity. These gestures, though often undocumented, have strengthened his connection with the people.
Today, on both national and international platforms, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago is increasingly recognized for his emphasis on accessibility, performance, and peacebuilding. His approach reinforces a simple but powerful idea: leadership should connect, not isolate.
In a country where citizens continue to demand responsive governance, his model offers a perspective worth noting—one that places engagement, service, and unity at the center of public leadership.
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