National Assembly And The Quest To Immortalize Corruption -By Paul. E. Michael

Paul E. Michael

As some of our leaders continue to withstand the anti-graft war being undertaken by the President Mohammadu Buhari led government, one wonders if Nigeria is not bewitched. Otherwise, how can we explain the show of shame being displayed by some of the Nigerian Senators in the name of solidarity, against the ongoing anti-corruption war?

We are aware that the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, is being tried by Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, for several offences, which include false assets declaration, receiving salaries after vacating office, using State Government money to service personal loans, allegedly acquiring assets beyond his legitimate earnings and operating foreign accounts as a public officer – governor and senator, among others. Mr. Saraki and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, are also facing trial for forgery of the Senate standing orders that enthroned them as the leaders of the upper chambers.

Since the trial of Mr. Saraki began on September 11, 2015, majority in the Nigerian Senate, have been in support of the embattled Senate President. Though the number of senators that accompanied him to court on April 6, 2016, reduced to 12 according to The Cable, it was amusing that about 81 senators were in support of Mr. Saraki, on his second appearance in court on October 21, 2015.

That apart, the Nigerian Senate in the bid to frustrate the trial of its accused and corrupt leaders, has been attempting to extend the immunity clause that the President, Vice President and State Governors currently enjoy to the Legislative arm of government. The Senate is so eager to solidify the foundation of corruption and imposed it on Nigerians.

Let me state categorically that the above move by some of the members of the Senate shows that they are worse than the boko haram insurgents that have being terrorising the Northeastern part of the nation. Their insatiable urge and lusts for luxury have blinded their sense of morality. The Senate has lost touch with reality that they no longer consider the general interest of our nation but personal egotism.

Most worrisome of their unpatriotic conducts is the recent irresponsible outburst of the monopolized “lawbreaker”, Senator Dino Melaye (APC-Kogi). While addressing Senator Remi Tinubu (APC-Lagos), during a close-door meeting of the Senate, Mr. Melaye said, “I will beat you up, impregnate you and nothing will happen.”

Actually, no one will be wrong to assert that Mr. Melaye must have been having a mental sexual intercourse with Mrs. Tinubu, hence, the open threat to “impregnate” the married colleague. Melaye is obviously on a lustful adventure, which has made him to forget the mandate given to him by his Constituents. This is extremely unfortunate, irresponsible and unexpected of a man of his caliber.

Though Remi Tinubu is not just any woman but the wife of the former Governor of Lagos State and the Leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the threat of Dino Melaye to beat, rape and impregnate a fellow Senator, however, points out that several ladies must have suffered such fate in his hands. This is most shameful of a man with the title of an honourable. Only touts, thugs, hoodlums and criminals make such pronouncement.

Meanwhile, Nigerians must be ready to recall members of the National Assembly (NASS) and demand for part-time legislative system, if they dare pass any Bill extending immunity clause to Legislators, into Law. We never sent them to NASS in order to make corruption a norm in our country. For the matter of fact, the reckless attitude of our State Governors is a product of the immunity clause enshrined in our Constitution.

Why then should we accept the extension of immunity clause to Legislators? Are they not suppose to be enacting Laws that will check-mate corruption in all the organisation of government? Honestly, the time has come that Nigeria adopts a part-time legislative system. We cannot continue wasting tax payers’ money on those that are unwilling to contribute meaningfully to the progress of our nation.

There is hardly any well meaning Nigerian that is not supporting the the anti-graft war currently going on – though some are advocating that the fight should be more inclusive and encompassing – especially when the outcomes of corruption is critically considered. One of such outcomes is the lingering boko haram insurgency, which is detrimental to the lives and properties of Nigerians. Of course, you cannot expect anything less when about $2.1b budgeted for the procurement of arms was embezzled by a few currupt leaders.

It is worthy of note that Nigeria was identified as one of the most corrupt countries in the world prior to this administration. In 2014, Transparency International, ranked our nation as the 15th most corrupt country in the world, among 174 Countries included in its corruption index. Despite this international disgrace, our unpatriotic lawmakers are proposing the extension of immunity clause to legislators, so as to freely engaged in corrupt practices unabated.

NASS is bent on resisting the anti-graft war without recourse to the yearnings of citizens; resisting a war that is capable of restructuring Nigeria for development. Our Lawmakers should bury their heads in shame and apologise to Nigerians for standing on the way of national rebirth. Nigerians will not condole their excesses anymore, as they are servants of the people as long as democracy is concern.

I believe that Nigerians are prepared to unite against organised corrupt practices and sack disgruntled lawmakers that dare to immortalize such.

Paul E. Michael is a Criminologist and Civil Activist and can be reached on Twitter @McPaulEmumena