‘Our enemies are the political profiteers, the swindlers, the men in high and low places that seek bribes and demand ten percent; those that seek to keep the country divided permanently so that they can remain in office as ministers and VIPs at least, the tribalists, the nepotists, those that make the country look like big for nothing before international circles; those that have corrupted our society and put the Nigerian political calendar back by their words and deeds.’ –Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu, leader of Nigeria’s first revolutionary coup.
Human and Environmental Development Agenda, otherwise referred to as, HEDA Resource Centre is one of the foremost Nigerian Civil Society groups in the vanguard of anti-corruption in Nigeria. It is involved in research, investigation, advocacy, training of journalists, activists, staffs of government anti-corruption agencies and citizens, awareness and mobilization in the prevention and prosecution of corruption related cases.
HEDA Resource Centre has both local and foreign partners involved in this crusade. It is no doubt that with the able leadership, focus, commitment of its head, Mr. Olanrewaju Suraj, they are daring the private and public swindlers in our society. Certainly, this is not an easy task coming from him and his crew members but the passion, zeal and rare courage they have attached to it is commending. This group has uncovered several corruption cases that Nigerians have possibly forgotten. For instance, the OPL 245, Malabu oil scam, which faulted two former Ministers and their collaborators, is one that requires commendation. Now, the present Federal Government and other stakeholders are now left, if they possess the political will to bring the perpetrators of that horrendous deal to book. Fighting corruption anywhere in the world is risky and dangerous, it fights back and in some cases can be very fatal but, the HEDA team mind is made up.
HEDA Resource Centre and its media, anti-corruption activists and agencies that are professionally trained are tracing and tracking down illicit funds and assets stashed away in various countries of the world and Nigeria by past and present Nigerian leaders. There are revelations of properties discovered in the UK, US, Dubai, Switzerland, etc. In Nigeria, we also have such assets located in Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, Owerri, Port-Harcourt and others. These illicit funds and assets were not only discovered to be owned by people who served or are serving in government or were fronting for government officials as the case may be but, also by private individuals who scammed unsuspecting members of the public by virtue of their position.
HEDA through its discoveries with its partners has given vital information to the EFCC, ICPC, CCB and FG to further carry out its investigation, press charges against individuals suspected to be involved in looting of the treasury and money laundering. On their own they have volunteered to be witnesses at cases, some they have personally taken to court for prosecution. This is commitment, rare courage, determination at battling this scourge. They are never tired, not scared of tracing and tracking down illicit funds and assets wherever. They are a group prepared to ask questions via their several investigations, petitions to appropriate authorities concerning corruption allegations. To them, it is about Nigeria, about building a decent society, it is a selfless service. They are offering their commitment, dedication, offering their expertise and time at the fight against corruption.
Nigeria is under threat by the past and present leadership with the governance style in place that has allowed corruption to cripple into the system. Our elections are heavily monetized thereby narrowing the chances of having committed and responsible leaders in public offices. The civil service in place helps the politicians in perfecting corrupt practices. The budgets at the federal and states are more for paying salaries and allowances to the political elites rather than building infrastructures. Nigeria cannot be remedied from this grip unless there are concerted efforts by men and women of good conscience, groups like HEDA determined and committed to doing something at rescuing it. Evil will not fade out unless good decides to play its roll. Not until Nigeria is returned to a country with conscience, a place with responsive leadership, citizens fearlessly asking questions, then shall corruption in any part, anywhere, be treated with national and patriotic attack against it. It is evidently clear that corruption has set Nigeria backward.
The country cannot move forward until the people become a threat, the beginning of fear to its leaders. A major reason the elites continue to treat us with disdain is the docility that resides in the people. For instance over the years the country has borrowed and keep borrowing so much from IMF, WB, countries, yet there is absolutely no infrastructure it has fully developed, rather the future generation has been plunged into debts upon debts. Nobody is asking the government questions, not even the once vibrant groups like Labour Union, ASUU, NANS. The HEDA Resource Centre must keep the fire burning that, irrespective of any government, persons in power the anti-corruption war is a must. That, any man or woman, today or tomorrow, could be called to render account of its stewardship. God bless Nigeria!
*** Uzodinma Nwaogbe is @ 0708.438.1845.
