The anti-corruption fight: A letter

Hello corruption,

It has always been my desire to write to you when I realised that your name made it to the top of the chart of most searched words. Your fame is global.

Are youths ready for leadership?

October 26, 2020

Poverty in Africa

September 12, 2020

You’ve crossed boundaries into nations, homes, religious entities, companies and organisations, governments, academic institutions, sports federations, etc. You suddenly have become a word that features in every electioneering speech.

Our politicians are making promises to the people of how the forces will be released against you and how you will be long gone in a jiffy when they (the politicians) assume office. The search-light is on you. Sorry, that I am intruding into your affairs. But am interested in you as a topic for discussion.

Recently, you have been blamed for being the reason behind the many economic woes that have befallen our nations. Poverty is biting hard. Few are getting richer, and the remainder is a mix between being poor or average. Fake products are being sent into the market by the marketers.

People in business are defaulting on the contract terms. Administrators are receiving bribes to negotiate contracts and deals. Scammers are prying on the ignorant ones (especially on those desperate for money-making opportunities). Sportsmen and some officials are fixing matches for gain. Public office holders are picking holes in the public treasury. Students are cheating during examinations.

The list of things done in your name is just endless. Now, given the fight so far meted out to you, you seem unstoppable, indestructible, resilient, and insurmountable. You’ve defied every known anti-corruption measure.

As we fight you, corruption, you are fighting us back. You seem to have a strong team with you. You have indeed strengthened your grip on every single human. The youngest of kids within the neighbourhood knows how to trick the parents into obtaining daily school allowance – dishonesty is corruption.

We hate what is happening courtesy of you. You know, no one loves you. To drive home my point, I wish to state here to you that we desire to have a society with people living in truth, faithfulness, and honesty. We expect that not just a few enjoy the resources meant for the general populace. We want the spirit of accountability from governments, private firms, homes, schools. We are tired of hearing the numerous failures from governments blamed on you (corruption).

Enough of corruption! Henceforth, we want the anti-corruption fight to succeed.

By Itoro Orok

Email address: [email protected]