Fatshimetrie, a look at governance: by John Alechenu
In a world where citizens’ trust in their government is essential, transparency and the fight against corruption are becoming priority issues. President Bola Tinubu’s call at the United Nations General Assembly for debt relief for developing countries has raised significant doubts within the international community. The National Secretary of the Conference of United Political Parties, Peter Ameh, has stressed that until Nigeria takes concrete steps to fight corruption and improve the lives of its citizens, it will not be taken seriously.
The issue of corruption in Nigeria is a documented reality. The country ranks 149th out of 180 countries in the 2023 Corruption Perception Index. This scourge, omnipresent in society, has harmful consequences: misappropriation of funds intended for development projects, misallocation of resources, lack of transparency and accountability, leading to a lack of trust on the part of the international community.
Accusations of personal enrichment and waste of public funds for luxurious purposes create a climate of distrust towards Nigerian leaders. This image affects the country’s ability to obtain credible debt relief. The consequences are multiple: reduced international cooperation, limited access to subsidized loans, loss of influence on the world stage.
To regain trust, the government must act. By prioritizing development projects and social programs in favor of the majority, strengthening institutions to prevent corruption, increasing transparency of public spending and ensuring that those responsible for corruption are held accountable, Nigeria could restore a credible image on the international stage.
It is essential that leaders refocus on the best interests of citizens and put an end to the privileges granted to a small elite. Only real political will, supported by concrete actions, will allow the country to recover and legitimately claim debt relief.
In conclusion, the fight against corruption and the promotion of transparency are fundamental pillars of any responsible governance. Nigeria has the opportunity to change course and embark on the path of virtuous governance, respectful of the rights of its citizens and guarantor of the general interest.