By Psychologist John Egbeazien Oshodi

Revealing the Realities: Nigeria’s Profound Dive into Corruption, Compromised Figures, and the Contentious Role of the Instant Death Penalty as a Desperate Solution in Shaping the Future of a Growing Democracy—Why Not!

Nigeria, often celebrated as the “Giant of Africa,” stands as one of the continent’s foremost democracies. Yet, beneath the veneer of its democratic ideals, a corrosive force relentlessly gnaws at its very foundations: corruption. This comprehensive examination delves deep into the heart of Nigeria’s corruption crisis, shedding light on the profound suffering inflicted upon its people by those who should be their protectors.

Corruption’s insidious infiltration into every aspect of Nigerian society has left no stone unturned. It is a plague that festers within the corridors of power and among the powerless, casting a long, dark shadow over the nation’s progress. But the most harrowing aspect of this predicament lies in the betrayal by individuals who have sworn oaths to uphold justice and the rule of law.

Corrupt judges, who should be the ultimate guardians of justice, have turned their backs on their solemn duty, succumbing to the lure of personal gain. They have become architects of injustice, subverting the very foundations of the legal system. The consequences of their actions are far-reaching and devastating, eroding public trust in the justice system and causing a profound loss of faith in its ability to dispense justice impartially. The judiciary, once a beacon of hope, has been compromised, compromising its role as a check on other branches of government. These judges now stand as shields, protecting influential politicians and criminals from accountability, thus perpetuating a vicious cycle of corruption and criminality.

Unscrupulous lawyers, entrusted with upholding the law, have been entangled in this web of deceit. Rather than advocating for justice, they have chosen to facilitate corruption by aiding their clients in evading legal consequences for their corrupt practices. Their involvement has corroded the ethical standards within the legal profession, eroding its integrity over time. The consequences of their actions are dire, obstructing justice and making it increasingly difficult for victims of corruption to seek redress, further deepening the hardships faced by the Nigerian people.

The venomous reach of corruption extends beyond the courtroom, infiltrating law enforcement and security agencies. These institutions, which should serve as bastions of safety and protection for the public, have been tainted by the allure of ill-gotten gains. The betrayal of trust by some law enforcement and security officers not only compromises public safety but also exacerbates the pervasive culture of corruption within society. Those tasked with upholding the law have become active participants in its subversion, perpetuating a cycle of lawlessness.

Even the civil service, a critical component of effective governance, has fallen victim to this plague. Corrupt civil servants engage in embezzlement, bribery, and nepotism, diverting public resources for their personal enrichment. This misappropriation of funds cripples the government’s ability to provide essential services and infrastructure, leaving ordinary Nigerians to bear the brunt of inadequate public services.

Self-serving politicians, driven by personal ambition and greed, have contributed significantly to the erosion of public trust and the misallocation of resources. Corruption among politicians takes various forms, from electoral malpractice to embezzlement of public funds. These practices not only undermine the democratic process but also perpetuate a cycle of underdevelopment and poverty.

The repercussions of these corrupt practices and compromised figures extend far and wide, with ordinary Nigerians bearing the brunt of unimaginable hardship. Diverted public funds, limited access to justice, and eroded trust in democratic institutions collectively contribute to the suffering of the people. Some individuals, driven to desperation, resort to criminal activities such as terrorism and robbery, while others find themselves begging on the streets. Even essential resources, like palliatives meant to alleviate hardship during challenging times, are often concealed by corrupt politicians, depriving those in need.

In the face of rampant corruption, Nigeria has undertaken various reforms, initiated mass prayers, faced international sanctions, prosecuted individuals, and even made numerous arrests. However, despite these efforts, the deep-rooted corruption continues to persist, plaguing the nation and its people. Frustration has reached a breaking point, leading some to contemplate an extreme solution: the instant death penalty.

Reforms, while well-intentioned, have often fallen short in curbing corruption. Despite the implementation of various policies and regulations, corrupt individuals have managed to find loopholes and evade accountability, leaving the nation’s progress hindered by this persistent menace.

Mass prayers have been a common recourse in Nigeria’s fight against corruption. Citizens, in their quest for divine intervention, have turned to prayer gatherings, seeking spiritual guidance to eradicate corruption. However, despite the faith-driven hope, corruption continues to thrive, leaving many disillusioned and searching for alternative solutions.

International sanctions have been imposed on Nigeria in response to corruption-related issues. These sanctions are intended to exert pressure on the government to address corruption effectively. However, the impact of sanctions on corrupt individuals and practices has been limited, as some remain unaffected or find ways to circumvent the measures, further deepening the frustration of those who yearn for justice.

Prosecution and arrests, even jail time have been employed as tools to combat corruption. High-profile cases have been brought to court, and individuals have been arrested in connection with corrupt activities. Nevertheless, the wheels of justice often turn slowly, and some corrupt figures have managed to escape conviction, contributing to a sense of impunity that erodes public trust in the system.

Given the continued prevalence of corruption and the frustration stemming from the perceived ineffectiveness of previous measures, the proposition of the instant death penalty emerges as an extreme yet desperate solution. Advocates argue that the severity of this penalty could serve as a powerful deterrent, dissuading individuals from engaging in corrupt practices and signaling a commitment to cleansing the system swiftly and decisively.

While the proposal of the instant death penalty remains highly controversial and raises ethical concerns, it underscores the profound desperation and exasperation faced by Nigerians in their battle against corruption. It represents a stark acknowledgment that traditional approaches have fallen short, and the nation stands at a precipice, contemplating radical measures in pursuit of a more transparent, just, and less corrupt future.

The repercussions of these corrupt practices and compromised figures extend far and wide, with ordinary Nigerians bearing the brunt of unimaginable hardship. Diverted public funds, limited access to justice, and eroded trust in democratic institutions collectively contribute to the suffering of the people. Some individuals, driven to desperation, resort to criminal activities such as terrorism and robbery, while others find themselves begging on the streets. Even essential resources, like palliatives meant to alleviate hardship during challenging times, are often concealed by corrupt politicians, depriving those in need.

It is essential to underline that this psychologist who presents this exploration does not endorse violence. Nevertheless, in the face of the relentless challenges posed by corruption, frustration has reached a breaking point as these issues persist day in and day out, thwarting the nation’s growth and prosperity.

Due to corruption, major global corporations that have been in Nigeria for decades are pulling out, leaving the economy in shambles. Deadly criminals, terrorists, and bandits are competing for control of the treasury, which politicians, government officials, and corporate leaders are relentlessly siphoning off. While some use pens to sign away the nation’s wealth, others wield weapons, kidnapping innocent citizens and demanding ransoms. This relentless chaos cannot be allowed to continue.

In this complex and morally fraught debate, Nigeria grapples with the challenging task of balancing the pursuit of justice with the preservation of human rights and the rule of law. The discussion surrounding the instant death penalty underscores the urgency of addressing corruption effectively, as the nation seeks to break free from the chains of graft and usher in a new era of transparency, accountability, and, ultimately, justice.

Peering into the abyss of an environment where justice is in short supply, entangled in a web of mismanagement, nepotism, bribery, and ruthless institutional, political, and corporate manipulation, the overwhelming response reverberates with heartfelt anguish: a unanimous rejection of such a state of affairs.

Regarding the call for the instant death penalty, placing our reliance on lawmakers and senators becomes a precarious proposition. A good number of them are embroiled in active cases of embezzling government funds during their tenures as ministers and governors. However, through the manipulation of political influence and a compromised judicial system, they have managed to secure seats in the House of Representatives and the Senate. This disheartening reality underscores the futility of depending on them to enact the necessary legislation. Instead, it falls upon the shoulders of the people to explore legal avenues and mechanisms to introduce the death penalty as a means of combating corruption effectively and without bias. This challenging task requires the collective will of the citizenry to initiate change and seek justice in a system tainted by corruption.

Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, is an American-based police and prison scientist, forensic psychologist, and legal psychologist. He’s a government advisor on forensic-clinical psychological services in the USA and the founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation for Psychological Health. With a significant role in introducing forensic psychology to Nigeria through N.U.C. and Nasarawa State University, he’s also a former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Psychological Association. He’s taught at esteemed institutions like Florida Memorial University, Florida International University, Nova Southeastern University, and more, and is currently an online faculty member at Weldios University, Nexus International University, and Walden University. [email protected]