Our Senate of sinners
FEW weeks ago, a
senator of the
federal republic stood in the hallowed chamber and stunned the senate with a damning revelation. He averred that the senate was full of 419ners an acronym for fraudsters. Before he could finish his presentation, tails had started wagging, heads were shaking, and many were sweating. The senate, in its usual style, forced the gentleman to recant, and that was the end of the matter though the holier than thou attitude cost the “honest senator” some juicy appointments and fat estacode.
The senate wanted Nigerians to believe the chamber is filled with distinguished people of impeccable character. Yes, I agree, they are distinguished manipulators, riggers and whatever name you call them. What other name can be given to those who stole votes and people’s mandate?
David Mark and his followers wanted us to believe they are the best team, but recent happenings at the senate have proved them wrong. Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello was accused by the EFCC .She was to appear in court but has gone underground. Reports had it that she is being harboured by the senate leadership though there has been denials to that effect.
The time is ripe for Nigerians to revolt against the senate which in its faulty wisdom has been shielding Iyabo from facing the wrath of the law. To my mind, the senate leadership knows the truth, their findings have indicted Iyabo but they would not just allow one of their own to be humiliated.If Iyabo’s hands are clean,why should she be hiding?Her actions have condemned her no truth can come from her as far as the N300m health ministry largesse is concerned.
Beyond the hide and seek game, it can be deduced that EFCC is wanting in its calling.
The new helmsman, Larmode, has shown Nigeria that, EFCC is going down the drains like several other commissions in the past. While I subscribe to the rule of law in the handling of the cases and several others on its hand, EFCC should show more seriousness in prosecuting Iyabo and her father to whom the commission has consistently issued a clean bill of health.
Should EFCC fail to probe Obasanjo and his daughter, it means the anti-graft body is not only selective, but also biased and visionless. The leadership of EFCC should wakeup from its slumber and be more committed and serious about its duties .We cannot fold our arms and watch EFFC waste tax payers money on sundry matters while ignoring alleged heavier corrupt practices which, if well investigated, can still lead to the recouping of stolen funds for the benefit of our people.
Tola Osunnuga,
Department of Nigerian Languages & Literatures,
Olabisi Onabanjo University,
Ago Iwoye.
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