Buhari, Jonathan, Amaechi, Osinbajo Define Corruption

Corruption is one of the biggest challenges crippling
Nigeria. It is a known fact to every Nigerian that the
level corruption is on the high side.
If you take a critical look, it is glaring that corruption
has eaten deep into every sector, be it in the schools,
offices, ministries and the list goes on. Be it a small or
big sector, there is every possibility of observing
corrupt practices.
In schools students offer bribe to pass their exams,
lectures demand bribe from students. In the ministries,
there is the ghost worker syndrome. In politics, one
cannot even begin to count the number of corrupt cases
against Nigerian politicians.
You see policemen extorting money from innocent
citizens and some have been killed for refusing to give
bribe. At the end of the day, the police calls it
accidental discharge.
The menace of corruption rears its ugly head during
elections, at the court of law, even the churches are not
left out.
Nigeria has been ranked one of the most corrupt
countries in the world.
Corruption can be interpreted by many people in many
ways. We have heard a number of definitions from
Nigerian politicians and some are quite appalling.
READ ALSO : Buhari’s Anti-Corruption War Is Too Slow
– Ex-Governor
Below are some definitions.
President Muhammadu Buhari : The president defined
corruption as the greatest form of human right violation.
He said: “ For the masses of our people, the millions still
wallowing in want and diseases, corruption is a major
reason why they cannot go to school; why they cannot
be gainfully employed; and why there are few doctors,
nurses and drugs in their hospitals and health centers.
“It is the reason why pensioners are not paid and
potable water is scarce.
“In effect, corruption diverts public resources meant for
millions of people into the private pockets of a greedy
few, thereby causing a lot of suffering, deprivation and
death.
“In my view, there can be no greater violation of human
rights.”
Goodluck Jonathan: The former president said that most
of what is referred to as corruption is not really that at
all. He said there is no corruption but mere stealing.
He said: “ Over 70 percent of what are called corruption,
even by EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission) and other anti-corruption agencies is not
corruption, but common stealing. Corruption is
perception, not reality.”
Yemi Osinbajo : Not happy with what Jonathan said
about corruption, the Vice President gave his own
definition.
He said: “Corruption is defined as ‘dishonest or
fraudulent conduct by those in power, typically
involving bribery’. The definition is simple and we all
know what it is, yet Mr. President has spent the last
several minutes of his media chat explaining to
Nigerians what it is, suggesting we are all somehow
confused about this.
“The GEJ presidency has failed Nigerians. The facts are
undeniable. #ChangeWillCome”
Rotimi Amaechi : The former governor of Rivers state
gave his own opinion of what corruption means. During
his ministerial screening by the Senate on Thursday,
October 22, 2015, Amaechi was asked to define
corruption.

Here is what he said: “Corruption is difficult to define. If
they send a girl to you to do something for her and you
sleep with the girl, you are corrupt.
“Corruption is a very wide concept. If people are
contesting a position and you offer your son, brother or
sister an opportunity to hold that position, probably the
person is not qualified, you are corrupt. So, it is difficult
for me to define corruption.”
What is your own definition of corruption?