Group identifies causes of bad governance as Tinubu leads celebration of Nigeria at 64
By KEMI KASUMU
As the nation marks its 64th Independence Anniversary, an advocacy group, Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria (MMWGN) has identified causes of bad governance and the under-development of the country.
In a release marking the anniversary, the Group identified leadership selection process, questionable provisions in the Nation’s Constitution, weak or slow judicial process in dealing with economic crimes and corruption as well as the huge remuneration for political office holders as some of the problems militating against good governance in Nigeria.
It noted that the first half of Nigeria’s 64 years of Independence was far better for Nigerians than the second half of 32 years because, the early political leaders were patriotic and focused on nation’s growth, development and progress as well as delivery of dividends of democracy to the people, while the latter leaders that emerged and to date were selfish, materialistic and unpatriotic.
The release, jointly signed by the National Secretary, Dr. Nasir Balogun and National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Kamaldeen Akintunde (Esq), stated that the nation needed political reform whereby public office would be regarded as service to the people rather than an opportunity to amass wealth.
It called for severe punishment against corrupt people and those who commit economic crimes, noting that granting of bails for those who committed economic crimes without any bench-mark has contributed to Nigeria’s under-development.
MMWG also called for abolition of ‘plea bargaining’ as it is a licence for corruption whereby offenders are allowed to loot the treasury and pay-back only 30% of the loot while the offenders retain 70% of the loot.
It, therefore, çalled “for amendment to the Act on ‘Administration of Criminal Justice (ACJ)’ to check corruptible tendencies in the country.”
On the leadership selection process, MMWG condemned God-fatherism whereby wealthy Nigerians in politics sponsor unqualified and inexperienced people for public offices for their selfish interests,thus promoting mediocrity at the expense of excellence or competence.
The Group also advocated for a review of the electoral system to allow for independent candidates to contest elections as from 2027 for a dynamic electoral system and to enhance good governance.
Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria also positeded for constitutional amendment that would abolish bi-camera Legislature that will save resources and be cost effective.
MMWG also called for abolition of Ministries of Police Affairs,Niger Delta and Humanitarian Affairs,noting that their existence is a dissipation of energy and a sheer waste of resources.
The group noted that the existence
of The Police Council, The Police Trusts Fund, and the Police Service Commission had made the existence of Police Affairs Ministry wasteful.
MMWG also posited that the existence of Niger Delta Development Commission [NDDC] and with the establishment of Development Commissions for all the Geo-Political Zone, it is needless and served no purpose to retain Ministry of Niger Delta,stating that all Development Commission should be reporting to the Presidency.
It enjoined the National Assembly Members and the State Governors to search their conscience on whether they are serving Nigeria or Nigeria is serving them, judging by the funds they appropriate to themselves with citizens languishing in poverty, diseases and hunger. The group noted that such deprivation of the people cannot continue forever as it is ungodly and sinful.
