55 Nigerians Stole N1.3trillion – Pacac, Says Corruption Became Worse Under Jonathan
SAN FRANCISCO, October 20, (THEWILL) – The Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC) has revealed that fifty-five (55) people stole N1.3trillion from the national treasury in seven years under President Goodluck Jonathan's watch.
According to its report of activities from August 2015 to July 2016, presented to civil society organisations (CSOs) by its Executive Secretary, Prof Bolaji Owasanoye, in Abuja, the committee said the former President tolerated corruption.
PACAC declared that corruption brought Nigeria to its knees in the last administration as the former President closed his eyes to graft while his administration fared worse than his predecessors in tackling official sleaze.
“His (Jonathan's) tolerance of corruption was reflected in the sunset of activities of anti-corruption agencies under his watch and exponential increase of other vices no doubt fuel by corruption,” the report declared.
“For example, it is widely believed that insecurity escalated because of the massive embezzlement of $2billion through the Office of the National Security Adviser under the leadership of Col. Sambo Dasuki, who allegedly diverted the money appropriated to fight insurgency.
“The problems in the downstream sector of the petroleum industry reached zenith with multi-billion dollars subsidy scams while President Jonathan looked the other way.
“At the same time, other vices spread like cancer – kidnapping, import duty waivers, financial recklessness, a profligate legislature, corrupt judiciary, etc. There was no single high profile conviction under his watch yet there were allegations of high profile corruption within his cabinet.
“Jonathan's legendary comment that stealing is not corruption underscored his perspective on corruption and remains a watershed in the history of anti-corruption crusade in Nigeria.
“Under his watch, corruption brought Nigeria to its knees.
“Using World Bank rates, one-third of the N1.3trillion allegedly stolen by only 55 people in seven years could have provided 635.18 kilometers of roads, built 36 ultra-modern hospitals in each state, built and furnished 183 schools, educated 3,974 people from primary to tertiary level (at N25.2million per child) and built 20,062 units of two-bedroom houses.
“While former President Olusegun Obasanjo established key anti-corruption agencies which led to high-profile convictions even though his actions were not above board, the crusade against corruption went comatose from 2007 largely due to leadership deficit.
“Corruption is Nigeria's greatest challenge and is directly associated with the current economic decline, poverty rates, reduced life expectancy, mortality and deteriorated living standards.
“Due to corruption, a few Nigerians were richer than their states, while plea bargaining was abused as people who stole the country dry were given slaps on the wrist and asked to go home.”
Story by Oputah David