Corruption fighting Jonathan, not the other way round —Imo ANPP chairman

The chairman of the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) in Imo State, Chief Vitalis Orikeze Ajumbe, speaks with JUDE OSSAI on the state of the nation from the lenses of the opposition. Excerpts:

WHAT has been your view on the current split in the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) which has led to two state governors laying claim to the chairmanship of the group?

It is an unholy development which is dividing the country as it is pitching the governors against themselves. It also shows that the president’s interest in 2015 is in danger. It is bringing a lot of problems into the country. The governors on the side of Chibuike Amaechi might regroup to give the president serious headache. The earlier it is resolved, the better for the country.



What do you think has been the impact of President Goodluck Jonathan’s government on good governance in Nigeria?

In the past two years, there is no significant impact of President Jonathan’s government, most especially in the area of economy and employment. The government has not really fared well in the area of infrastructural development, especially in the Northern part of the country. If you go to the North, you will find out that it will take the region about 50 years to catch up with the development in the South; yet, we are one Nigeria. Something needs to be done to alleviate the sufferings of our Northern brothers. I think it has to do with the insecurity in the area. North is really underdeveloped. When half of the populace is entirely underdeveloped, the entire country is affected.

On corruption, the government promised to fight corruption, but from all indications, corruption is fighting the government of President Jonathan. The government appears very handicapped, and cannot come in the open to condemn corruption and the perpetrators. In Nigeria today, people don’t talk about stealing in millions any more. They steal in billions, because if you steal in billions you will not go to jail because you can negotiate your way out. It is only those that steal thousands who go to jail. Take the case of the pension thieves and other crooks for instance, what has the Federal Government done about them? The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) are still active, but the “ogas at the top” always intervene and render them useless and ineffective.

The way out is for the government to act it. Before you purge other people, purge yourself. You will see that those who embezzled government funds are very close to the government, and how do you expect the EFCC to fight the president’s men and women? In a nutshell, the Federal Government has failed in the war against corruption. However, on power (electricity), I can see that there is an improvement. We have never had six hours of continuous power before now. The Federal Government’s concession of the PHCN is a welcome development. But what we need is 24 hours of uninterrupted power supply in the country. Constant power supply will help improve the economy. But the Federal Government failed woefully in this sector.

Do you think the nation’s judiciary is doing enough?
There has been a remarkable improvement since the appointment of Aloma Muktar as CJN. For the first time in the history of Nigeria, judges are put on their toes. They are beginning to be careful about the verdict they give. Imagine a so-called judge sentencing someone that stole billions of naira to two years imprisonment or N200, 000 option of fine? The judge was just being mischievous because he thought nothing would happen to him. He forgot that a Pharaoh that did not know Joseph had come to the throne.

Before now, lawyers lobby the powers-that-be to be appointed judges. What do you think is their motive if not to abuse the office? If you look at what happens at the election tribunals, you will know that these people are corrupt.

The entire system should be overhauled. The over-dependence on the executive should be discouraged.

Do you think that the emerging political scenarios in Nigeria could turn in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the umbrella opposition group makes attempt to edge out PDP?

The opposition is already making strong in-road into the hearts of the Nigerian electorate. The PDP is already drowning and the masses would not keep quiet. They will definitely vote PDP out for better political leaders to emerge. Nigeria is blessed with credible men and women to lead this country and I assure the electorate that the APC will lead this country very well.