…says Elites, Religious leaders frustrating Buhari’s corruption Fight
By Odili Christel
Vice president, Yemi Osinbajo has said that president Muhammadu Buhari’s fight against corruption was experiencing
hiccups because of the nation’s Elite and some religious leaders.
Speaking at the dedication and commissioning of a 10,000 seater Ecumenical centre built by the Seriake Dickson administration in Bayelsa, Osinbajo who was represented by the chaplain of Aso rock, Seyi Joseph blamed corruption, tribalism and religion as impediments to Nigeria’s growth.In his Words:
“Permit me then to make a concluding submission. It is my view that the Nigerian elite – political, business and religious – regardless of faith and ethnicity, think alike, and are driven by largely similar motivations. The elite are usually self-centred, selfish and unprepared to make the sacrifices either in service or self-restraint that leaders of successful communities must make.
Playing the religious or ethnic card when necessary so as to get the masses in line is the grossly cynical default of our elite. However, the most poignant point to note is that, when you look at any list of alleged perpetrators of a heinous case of corruption, all tribes ethnicities and religions are well represented.
In other words, high-level corruption knows no religion or ethnicity. The conspirators include Christians and Muslims from all the Geo-political zones. They are in government, legislature, judiciary and the press. They are United, protect each other, fight for each other’s and are prepared to go down together. They are one tribe, indivisible, regardless of diversity. It is this tribe that confuse the arguments for change in society…Nigeria’s greatest battle is the Jane to bring integrity and accountability to public service and the private sector.”
To build a new Nigeria, Osinbajo canvassed a new tribe of men and women of all faith, tribe and ethnicity who are committed to a country administered on high values of integrity, hard work, justice and patriotism.”