“I Was Mocked for Not Stealing Money” – Obono Obla
Former Chairman of the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for Recovery of Public Property (SPIP) under President Muhammadu Buhari, Chief Obono Obla, has criticized Nigerians for not doing enough to fight corruption.
Speaking at the 16th Ralph Opara Memorial Lecture Series organized by the National Association of Seadogs (NAS) in Calabar, Obla asserted that corruption begins within families and homes before spreading into public offices.
He lamented that even his own people in Cross River State mocked him for not accumulating wealth through corrupt means.
> “My brothers from Ugep refused to visit me when I was detained for 21 days during those dark days of trial. Everyone derided me, saying I was stupid because I didn’t steal money to share with them. That is the problem with Nigerians.”
“Nigeria is a Country of Papers, But Less Action”
Obla criticized Nigeria’s corruption problem, stating that the country is filled with numerous policies and paperwork but lacks true action against corrupt practices. He urged organizations like NAS to step forward in the fight against corruption.
> “Ultimately, a multifaceted approach is required to combat corruption effectively. NGOs, CSOs, and the government must collaborate to create a society that values transparency, accountability, and integrity.”
Corruption Has Crippled Nigeria – NAS President
The National President of NAS, Dr. Joseph Otei, echoed Obla’s concerns, stating that corruption has deeply harmed Nigeria, affecting the lives of ordinary citizens.
Dr. Otei called for a united effort to free the country from corruption, stressing that Nigeria has all it takes to become even greater than developed nations.
> “If we want an egalitarian society like the developed world, we must work together to eliminate corruption at all levels. We have the resources, but corruption keeps us stagnant.”
The Call for Change
With corruption continuing to cripple key institutions, calls for transparency and accountability are louder than ever. Many Nigerians believe that until systemic corruption is addressed, progress will remain a dream.
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