The Digest:
According to a stark warning from the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), corruption in Nigeria is so deeply ingrained that a strict application of the law would imprison the majority of the population. The statement was made by ICPC's Kaduna State Commissioner, Sakaba Ishaku, at a local government accountability workshop.
Key Points:
- ICPC Commissioner Sakaba Ishaku stated, "If the laws were to be applied to the letter, about 80% of the people you see walking the street freely would be in jail."
- He described corruption as "endemic and deeply entrenched" across all levels of governance and society.
- Ishaku challenged local government chairmen, questioning their legitimacy if they complete terms without visible legacy projects.
- He criticized weak penalties, calling a 5-year sentence for stealing ₦2 billion "a slap on the wrist," and urged stronger deterrent laws.
- The commissioner asserted that nearly all massive wealth has criminal origins, stating, "At best, you must have underpaid labour."
- Kaduna's Commissioner for Local Government, Sadiq Mamman Legas, corroborated the concerns, citing community vandalism of refurbished transformers worth ₦8- 9 billion.
- Both officials emphasized that public attitude and weak civic responsibility are major barriers to national development.
Rooted in the Storm.
Sources: ICPC statement, Kaduna State workshop proceedings
Tags: ICPC,
