Ebonyi: ‘It’s civil servants that corrupt politicans, though it’s difficult to end corruption in Nigeria – ALGON boss, Ogodo-Ali

Uchenna Okeh, Abakaliki

The chairman of the Association of local governments of Nigeria, ALGON, Ebonyi state chapter, Mr. Moses Ogodo-Ali at the weekend, insisted that it is the civil servants that corrupt politicans in Nigeria.

Ogodo-Ali who made this known while fielding questions from newsmen shortly after the book launch written by the former Special Adviser to Ebonyi state government, Onwe John, titled: “Anatomy of crime of corruption in Nigeria” that took place at the Pastorial Centre Mill 50 Abakaliki, said it may be difficult to end corruption in Nigeria.

Those in attendance to the event includes; the former governors; Sam Egwu, Martin Elechi, representatives of governor Francis Nwifuru and senator Orji Uzor Kalu, council chairmen, Ohaneze Ndigbo Lagos branch and other prominent Nigerians.

According to him: “The word corruption is very enemical to the Nigeria system, this is because everyone in Nigeria including you, is involved in corruption. This is because, most times, if you go to the offices where they carry files, if you don’t do what they told you to do, your file will disappear.

“And when you talk about politicans, the people that corrupt politicans are the civil servants, who will naturally tell the politicans that what you about to do, is not how we used to do it here. And so, the word ‘corruption’ is very enemical and systematic, now in Nigeria.

“This has degenerated to the extent, that even commercial drivers commit corruption in their homes and in their vehicles, because when they hear that fuel pump price is about to add, they will add money in their transport fares. Corruption is a serious matter, and for all of us to fight corruption, we must first of all, ask ourselves if we are free from corruption?.

“We must remove ourselves from corruption and do things alright to enable us fight against corruption in Nigeria. However, to fight corruption in Nigeria is very difficult, because everyone is involved” he stated.

Responding, the President of Ohaneze Ndigbo Lagos branch, Mr. Solomon Ogbonna commended the former governors; Egwu, Elechi and other prominent Nigerians for attending the event, and called for a collaborative efforts in the fight against corruption in Nigeria.

“There is a need for change in Nigeria, and when this is done, corruption will be a thing of the past in the country. The book will help Nigerians, especially the politicans to change for better. Let the leadership of the country, see reasons to change this corrupt system that is being witnessed in the country” he stressed.