The crime of embezzlement is a wide-spread crime in the present-day Nigeria. It impairs the property relationship protected by the law and the reputation of state organs and personnel. The party in power and the current Yara’Adua led government in Nigeria have always persisted in fighting corruption and building clean and honest government and concentrated on using legal weapons to fight the crime of embezzlement resolutely. Meanwhile, it should be recognised that the crime is still a serious problem which hinders Nigeria's great cause of reform and opening up to the outside world. In particular, during this period of transformation, the crime of embezzlement in this country shows many new characteristics.

For instance, recent happenings in the country make me sick. It appears in Nigeria if you do not steal or embezzle public funds you are not recognized. Nobody says that people should not enjoy from what they do. However, the brazen disrespect for public funds in the country is outrageous and horrendous. I have watched and read with dismay how many Nigerian so called big men have been arraigned in court in recent times for mismanagement of public funds. Ordinarily this should be a thing of joy as it shows those who have tried to enrich themselves with public funds are being brought to book. However, it appears the whole thing now looks like a mockery and deceit of the Nigerian citizens. If not how else should one explain crowds gathering to sing the praises of those arraigned in court for fraud and embezzlement?  Every time some one is taken to court, there are people who will be dressed in uniforms in support of those individuals, clapping, singing and raining curses on the supposed enemies. There are people waiting to see their big men granted bail. The question is who pays for the uniforms? Who organizes these events when the individuals in question were supposed to be hounded in cells?

It is easy for me to stand alongside the great affirmation that we are a part of a moral universe of which we are just as real a part as our bodies are a part of the physical world. “The starry heavens above and the moral law within,” was Kant’s expressive phrase. But there is no solace, no help for standing against the overwhelming in either the physical world or the moral law.

I’ve always believed that there is no possible compromise between good and evil. You may say, “Who is to decide which is which?” That’s a debating point, and there’s something in it. Borderline cases abound, and in these, tolerance is essential. But in the main issues which have threatened and afflicted our country- Nigeria, there’s no doubt whatever between good and evil. I believe with all my heart and mind that there are certain moral imperatives, that we cannot get away from at any hour, and that they apply even to the daily round of the lives of political office holders and those put in positions of trust.

It appears that we are not concerned enough with the fact that the Nigeria is going mechanically and morally backward. It follows that for what is, in essence, inexcusable, we must make no allowances. Refusal to equate right and wrong in any walk of life will bring no great success and may involve some obloquy.

These people who have misappropriated public funds have responsibilities in their hometowns, their states and the country at large which they have left. In a democratic country, whenever we cast our votes we contribute in a very real sense towards guiding the country’s destiny. Therefore those entrusted with public funds by way of their political status who misuse them have cases to answer and should be seen to do so. We (the Nigerian public) should not stand and celebrate in jubilation those that are punishing us.

Don’t we ever get sick of hearing about fraud all the time on the news? If Nigerians don’t do something, it’s just going to happen more and more because the criminals we are praise singing know that they won’t get caught or even when they are caught and arraigned, they will go free with lorry loads of supporters singing their praises.

As one Nigerian pointed out recently, I believe Judges should ban praise singing around the courts. There may be need for restriction of trials of these criminals to the public or else the Judiciary may be seen as encouraging public stealing. As a matter of fact, we can see that this behaviour is socially inappropriate but it seems to be becoming culturally appropriate amongst supporters of criminals because of poverty. These individuals bring out their loots in trickles to the needy who should have originally benefited if there were not embezzlement. This is slavery!

In as much as I quarrel with the public for their immoral actions, one will not forget the cause of the problem-those who are entrusted with public funds but fail to keep their part of the moral bargain. So Farida may be right after all in her call for psychiatric assessment as a pre-condition for taking up public appointments, given the level of economic recklessness and embezzlement of public funds, that has become almost a national embarrassment. Judges should also order for psychiatrist assessment of these embezzlers before they appear in court.

Finally I think Nigerians should not be complaining given the amount of funds being misappropriated and knowing who and who has been embezzling them. We know those who go to courts in uniform to support thieves. We should understand that it is not a political game when people deprive us from what is to be used for our well being. It is time to rise up to our sacred duties as citizens to shun what is evil.

Robot  # 1 | 19.02.2009 08:05

The crime of embezzlement is a wide-spread crime in the present-day Nigeria. It impairs the property relationship protected by the law and the reputation of state organs and personnel...Read the full article.

Danmeka  # 2 | 19.02.2009 10:23

The term "Hard Work" has been replaced by fraud and embezzlement in the Nigerian context.The rule of law that is suppose to provide checks and balances has been abused that those with ill-gotten wealth get away with murder. Some section of our Judiciary has become a joke especially when passing out judgement on certain corrupt governors and politians.What kind of role models are we creating for the next generation, instead these political profiteers, the swindlers, the men in high and low places that seek bribes, demand 10 percent and those that seek to keep the country divided are busy cloning themselves through their sons and daugthers so as to continue the status quo. Farida can say what she likes, but is the EFCC Chairman clean herself. If she is clean she should declare her assets for the public to know, that would be the day

olusiji  # 3 | 19.02.2009 15:39

Thank you Danmeka, Put angel Gabriel here and he must steal something. The money is too much, the security is too porous, the demand on public figures is asphixiating. The judge has married three wives , one by himself, two given to him by the community. Twelve future judges must first go to school. Are you with me? The Local Government Chairman on a mockingly ridiculous salary must pay hospital bills to thugs children to get the next ticket. But his salary cannot fuel his vehicle. Are you with me? What goes on in Nigeria is not corruption but societal pressure.

Enyi  # 4 | 20.02.2009 06:29

"So Farida may be right after all in her call for psychiatric assessment as a pre-condition for taking up public appointments" Farida is wrong on this. There is no known psychiatric assessment that will determine what an apparently normal person will do when presented with an opportunity to loot the treasury. Even if it is possible to determine this at one point in time, there is no guarantee that the person will not change with time. After all, change is the only constant in life. Let's face reality- how many Nigerian doctors will be bold enough to declare a prospective public officer unfit to hold office? Furthermore, I consider this an attempt to shift responsibility. Her duty is to fight corruption. How she does this is her business but the nation wants concrete results. I agree it is not an easy task, but then she is not forced to accept the post. Yes, the level of corruption in Nigeria has been elevated. In the past, the 11th commandment was- Thou shalt not be caught. In recent times this has been replaced by a new law: Thou must have friends in high places. Who knows what law will replace this in future? Finally, corruption will continue to thrive and flourish in any society that rewards corrupt members with titles, honours and higher public offices.