By Debo Popoola
It is true that everyone tends to be in a state of larceny when no one is at watch. This has gradually affirmed itself with the recent corruption scandals flying about in the nation’s political sphere. New truth about how funds meant for the people of Nigeria were shared by political allies of last administration continue to surface and those that have been given saintly status in the society are being heavily indicted in the scandalous act.
The parable of the yam and the goat was made popular by former president Goodluck Jonathan and it has continued to symbolize the current arms deal scandal that has taken the country like a raging storm. Disingenuously, Jonathan used the yam and goat analogy to describe corrupt government officials and the state money they stole:as the yam always entices the goat that the goat will be unrest whenever it sees it until it takes a bite, so also is the state fund is to these corrupt government officials.
Ever since the current $2.1 billion arms deal scandal began, it has become a jaw-dropping revelation that those who were least expected to be involved have seen their dirty linens washed in the open. Aside the strong involvements of major players in the last administration, people who are regarded as respected statesmen, have been stained with the mud. The involvement of these statesmen has continued to generate question among pundits that who is really a statesman?
Of all statesmen in Nigeria, Chief Olu-Falae is among one of the most respected, having served as a secretary to military government of Gen Ibrahim Babangida and also briefly as Finance Minister. Olu Falae contested for presidency under the umbrella of Alliance for Democracy party in 1999 which he lost to Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. He is also seen as one of the elders of Yoruba people considering his vast experience in Nigerian politics. Some months ago, he was adopted by some Fulani’s herdsmen and the news of his adoption triggered public sympathy judging by his age and his status in the country.
Recent revelation of how Sambo Dasuki disbursed the $2.1biliion arms deal has indicted the statesman and he too had confessed to have collected N100 million naira for an unknown service. His confession has sparked public criticism of his shameful action, him being a respected man in the political scene of the nation. His political party, SDP, has disowned him.
Jafaru Isa, one time military governor of Katsina state and a close associate of president Buhari and a prominent chieftain of the ruling APC party becomes the first person from the ruling party to be involved in the messy arms deal scandals.
Prior to Jafaru’s arrest by the EFCC, the opposition party, PDP, had accused President Buhari of being selective in his fight against corruption as those that have been arrested on corruption charges then are members of the party; but Jafaru’s arrest sort of debunk the claim. Although Jafaru Isa had returned N100 million out of the 170 million given to him, but his involvement has not only tarnished his image being an elder statesman but also the image of his party and the presidency.
The end does not seem to be in sight of the involvement of respected elder statesmen in the corruption charges as only tomorrow knows who else will be indicted as investigations continue. But thus far, the status of one being an elder statesman is being redefined as it will soon be a position of mockery.
