Incorruptible
Alhaji Tukur Igbanibo walked in, his belly sitting in front of him as he walked, making him walk awkwardly with is back bent backward like a pregnant woman in labor. Though he was more or less a pregnant man with his round pot belly. He turned the doorknob and walked straight into the office of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure. The Perm Sec, Chief Emeka Oguntunde jumped to his feet at the sight of the Alhaji.
"Alhaji Tukur", he exclaimed "What a pleasant surprise!"
Alhaji Turkur was the man in charge of the National Accounts Bureau which made him more or less the national accountant. No money came out of the Federal account without his permission. Being such a busy and important figure in the country, he wasn't quite someone whose face was easy to see around. The Federal Government had just apportioned one trillion naira to the Ministry of Infrastructure. Perhaps, Alhaji was here to give instructions and information about the money and since it was such a large amount, it was understandable that he felt the need to come personally rather than send one of his subordinates.
"Good morning, Chief Oguntunde", Alhaji Tukur said with a grin sitting down.
"What would you like to take. Drink? Coffee? Anything. I'll instruct my secretary to get it for you.", Chief Oguntunde inquired with a smile.
"Don't bother yourself about all that. I don't plan on staying here that long. Just came to sort somethings concerning the funds coming into your Ministry", Alhaji Tukur responded sharply.
"I figured that would be the reason for your August visit", Chief Emeka Oguntunde chuckled.
"Yes", Alhaji Tukur said "That is the reason for my visit"
"1.7 trillion and not 1 trillion will be coming into your ministry" Alhaji Tukur announced.
"I had no idea the Federal Government had increased the amount", Chief Oguntunde said.
"We are the Federal Government", Alhaji Tukur replied.
"That's true", Chief Oguntunde laughed and Alhaji Tukur joined in.
"However, you're still going to sign that 1 trillion came in", Alhaji Tukur broke to him
"I thought you said 1.7 trillion was coming in.", Chief Oguntunde said, puzzled.
"Yes" Alhaji paused and sighed, "But you're going to sign that 1 trillion came in"
"What happens to the remaining 700 billion, sir?", Chief Oguntunde inquired.
Alhaji Tukur laughed "I'm sure you know what will happen to it. You will get your fair share. About 100 billion or more will come to you. All you really have to do is sign the document. I have boys in your ministry's accounting department who will take care of the rest. It's a rather easy. . . .
"I'm sorry sir. I cant take part in such", Chief Oguntunde broke to Alhaji.
"Why not?", Alhaji asked, puzzled
"Because it's not right", Chief responded
"Look at you. This is the urban jungle. Who cares about right or wrong. You have to fight to survive.", Alhaji laughed
"I'm comfortable enough with my salary. 100 billion Naira? What do I need all that money for? I can't even finish it in my lifetime. Why siphon money I don't need?" Chief asked.
"Your children would need it if you don't. You're not going to get caught. I've done this many times.", Alhaji Tukur smiled, still calm
"It's not about getting caught. It's about what's right and wrong. A lot of wrongdoers don't get caught but in the end one way or the other, no wrongdoer goes unpunished. You can get out of my office now." Chief Oguntunde announced, almost yelling.
The preceding story is entirely fictional but however a real depiction of what goes on among those in the seats of power. However, we only have a few incorruptible people like Chief. Emeka Oguntunde.
The use of multi-ethnic names like Tukur Igbanibo and Emeka Oguntunde was to avoid ethnicism.
A true reflection of what goes on in our society today.
But what ponders my mind as I read the story is that we are all aware of this problem, so, what can be done to rectify it?
I remember during the elections in 2015, many voted for the present administration because we thought the fore-runner was utterly going to get rid of corruption.
But alas, the opposite is what we see today.
Some folks have started describing the DNA of Nigerians to be totally enhanced with corruption.
Sometimes, I grieve knowing that majority of us have been polluted with this thing called 'corruption', which I also describe as a combined dose of greed and selfishness.
When will Nigerians realize that we are killing each other steadily?
The mindset of Nigerians must change, from those at the realm of affairs to the one perceived as the least in the country.
Thanks for sharing this post. It gives us reason to talk about these problems.
But let's be mindful that talking about it is not enough.
Hahaha :D his belly sitting in front, i am thinking like shelter for baby kangaroos. Man, you are crazy with the words. The story reminds me of one told in our secondary school english reader. That should be JSS1 or 2 , about the incorruptible judge that rejected brown envelopes and served justice the way it should be served.
If only the country had more of chief emeka, maybe our roads would outgrow the potholes.
Humm
The masses are weeping
The officials are smiling
If everyone can shun corruption in this manner then, our country would be great again. Wonderful write-up you got here @tojukaka
The rate at which Nigerian politicians loot funds is very alarming this days. I sometimes wonder what they do with that much cash... And there is little or nothing we can do about it
Only gew government offices are like Chief.Emeka
and thats how our funds are being looted under mere discussions without no one calculating the cost of the loots
nice story sir
Very nice concept. We can practice honesty, pray and then hope that this generation of ours don't end up like the leaders we have today.
Great piece of Art. Everything felt real, thought you're reporting a real-time event until I saw fictional at the end.
The wrongdoer goes unpunished, the masses suffer the act... We pray for more Chief Oguntunde in our society..
And did u think all of emm get unpunished? I dont think so, bcos some of dem get indirect punishment without anybody noticn
Hmm, it's hard to say, most don't...
Sometimes the punishment are so flexible...
Interestine. A true picture of the society we live in. I appreciate the fact that you are using this platform to preach to our generation not to be corrupt. Keep up the good work. Mo dokpe.