The extravagant lifestyles of public office holders and corruption is responsible for the state of Nigeria’s economy

 

 Apart from corruption that has crippled Nigeria’s economy, another cankerworm that is devouring our nation’s treasury is the extravagant lifestyles of public office holders.
The public officers do not show restraint in the usage of public resources as far as their pleasure and that of their families is in concerned. They are schooled in the art and science of ensuring maximum enjoyment of office to the detriment of the majority of the citizens. Their ostentatious lifestyles defy logic and commonsense.

This issue started long ago but regrettably the present government has not shown any sign that it would change the culture. Apart from the judiciary, the other two arms of government have always displayed their appetite for pleasure and comfort even when the economy is bleeding. At the beginning of this administration, the senators scorned the people by purchasing SUVs at a unit price of above N35m; that happened at a time the signs were obvious that the economy was not healthy. When questions were asked, their explanations were that these expensive cars were necessary for their oversight functions. What is painful about their decision was that it happened when experts were warning that Nigeria’s economy was heading for a fall. The lawmakers, at national and state levels, have continued in that fashion. These things are happening in a country where an average individual cannot afford a decent accommodation or a square meal.

The executives, both at the national and state levels, are in a world of their own. The worst are the governors, especially those from the South-East and South-South. What is heartbreaking is that these governors owe arrears of salaries of close to a year in some cases. They are eager to advise workers and citizens to tighten their belts, whereas their own belts enjoy abnormal elasticity.

Nigerians should take the destiny of this country into their hands. They should take an unusual step/s to flush out the parasites.  Lawmakers that need to be recalled should be recalled while chief executives that require impeachment should be impeached. The majority cannot afford to be wallowing in poverty and squalor while the minority lives in opulence. Monday Ubani (Vice-President, Nigerian Bar Association)