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There is no doubt that those truly familiar with the writings of Mr Peel - whether as contributor to the regular FT Special Reports on Nigeria or in separate reports - would find it hard to accuse him of ignoring anything, especially where they are facts relating to the issue he writes on. The man is a consummate professional who knows more about Nigeria than most top journalists out there. He’s not given to sensationalism, but rather presents the facts in a way that the reader is left in no doubt that he’s done all he can as a journalist to provide the relevant information. In the criminally contrived opacity that is the Nigerian public service, Mr Peel’s determination to ask the uncomfortable questions and shine the light where angels dread to tread is a breath of fresh air. Now, while I’m not going to waste time here detailing the countless corruption cases that are being conveniently overlooked (including allegations against the President, some of his children, family members and political affiliates), suffice it to say Mr Peel is absolutely right when he observed that “while a few important changes have been made, other measures are more complicated or less impressive than they might seem”. In fact, his claim that many Nigerians “have very mixed feelings about the corruption prosecutions, welcoming the start of action they see as long overdue while noting that those being pursued appear mainly to be enemies of President Olusegun Obasanjo or otherwise politically expendable” is the unvarnished truth. It is instructive that the minister did not contradict anything Mr Peel said, but merely offered excuses. At best, she’s trying too hard to sell the so-called successes. Dr Okonjo-Iweala will have to deal with the facts as they are, not question those of us, like Mr Peel, discerning enough to notice the huge chinks in her government’s armour. What she considers as successes are to some of us minimalist and sometimes hypocritical responses to the huge challenges she herself acknowledges. They smack more of attempts to create an impression than genuine efforts at addressing the problem.
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