Dirty fellows can’t clean up Nigeria

For Nigerians living abroad or traveling internationally for business, the reactions we encounter from people in other countries are unfortunately all too familiar. Beneath the polite smiles and occasional warm hospitality accorded us, a subtle but unmistakable skepticism that hint at deep-rooted biases against Nigerians remains. This deep-seated distrust stems from the virulence of the virus of corruption that has engulfed every part of government back home. That is why we are not only distrusted, but we are also called all manner of belittling names. A few years ago, US Senator Ted Cruz dismissed Nigerians as “email scammers,” a remark he later tried to pass off as a harmless humor. Similarly, US journalist Ann Coulter made inflammatory comments suggesting criminality is endemic in Nigeria. “Nigeria leads the world in criminal enterprises. Every level of Nigerian society is criminal, with the smart ones running Internet scams, the mid-range ones running car theft rings, and the stupid ones engaging in piracy and kidnapping. At the University of Lagos, you can major in credit card fraud,” she said. Over the years, even respected figures, from late US Army General Colin Powell to celebrated talk-show hostess Oprah Winfrey, have labeled Nigerians in blanket terms that unfairly malign the nation.

Such characterisations are troubling. They perpetuate a global perception of Nigeria as corrupt and dishonest. These remarks, whether based on ignorance or misinformation, cast a long shadow and makes it harder for honest Nigerian businesspeople to gain trust. The stigma leaves honest Nigerians with integrity angry and insulted. Despite stereotypes, Nigeria is full of resilient, honest citizens who have built wealth and careers with integrity. They don’t cut corners or compromise values; they earn success through hard work. Contrary to popular misconceptions, there are still many Nigerians who refuse to participate in corruption and dishonesty. So, what’s the way forward? Good people must actively engage in politics and governance.

Many current leaders are more entrenched in the issues than in solving them, and meaningful change will require new voices, vision, and values. It won’t be easy, and anyone claiming that transformation will be quick or painless is ignoring reality. True change is often challenging, even painful, but it’s necessary and achievable. Who are these “good people”? They aren’t necessarily saints or the strictly pious. They are Nigerians who are deeply committed to a peaceful, prosperous, and united Nigeria, prioritising national interests over ethnic or personal ones. These are the innovators, the visionaries, and the dedicated leaders who see Nigeria’s success as their own. Their shared belief in Nigeria as a place worth investing in will drive this movement forward. Just as many prosperous nations overcame their own dark histories, Nigeria can transform its reality. With the right people and shared commitment, Nigeria can clean up its mess and realize its full potential.

Nigeria as a nation may be good idea. Electricity was a remarkable innovation and good idea in the hands of visionaries like Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Edison. Television changed the world when Scotsman John Logie Baird invented it in the 1920s. The internet, too, was a powerful idea, conceived by the U.S. government and later refined by pioneers like Vannevar Bush, JCR Licklider, and Vint Cerf. When placed in the care of capable and ethical people, these innovations have not only maintained their purpose but have improved over time. Good ideas flourish under the guidance of good people. But when these ideas fall into the wrong hands, they risk becoming tools of corruption. Nigeria, too, is a good idea. But in recent years, it is trapped under the weight of a few powerful, self-interested individuals whose alleged patriotism is nothing but a façade.
 It is essential to acknowledge, however, that among those in government, there are people who genuinely want to see Nigeria prosper. At all levels—federal, state, and local—there are individuals who work tirelessly for the public good, and their contributions should never be overlooked. Yet, these few are outweighed by others whose actions compound Nigeria’s problems rather than solve them. These individuals, ill-suited for leadership, have stained the nation’s reputation, creating obstacles for Nigerians everywhere. Seated in positions of power, they view governance as a personal goldmine, indulging their desires at the expense of the nation’s wellbeing. Their actions increase Nigeria’s woes.
There is a thriving ancient wall of corruption erected by insanely duplicitous characters in power. The corruption carnival in Nigeria is a free-for-all fiesta of stealing. Blisteringly unapologetic thieves and coddlers of corruption continue to fortify the ancient wall, and they get away with it. When a nation’s future is left in the hands of the ill-equipped, the impact is profound and enduring. The road to national progress becomes steep and fraught with obstacles, and the quest for stability remains elusive.

But the expression of frustration alone will not solve Nigeria’s challenges. It is up to Nigerians to take on the task of cleaning up Nigeria’s blemishes.  Good people must engage actively in politics and governance. Building a nation requires active participation from all citizens, pooling their talents and resources for the greater good. This collaborative effort is where our help must begin. Nigeria is indeed a good idea; its governance must also be placed in the hands of good people. A good idea managed by the wrong people is a recipe for disaster.
Many Nigerians with great potential remain on the sidelines, watching from afar as the nation spirals. These are people who articulate insightful opinions on radio, television, and online, armed with facts, figures, and foresight. However, they remain spectators, hesitant to step into the arena of governance. Nigerians with integrity, talent, and the capacity to lead have allowed themselves to be sidelined by those less qualified. Today, half-baked opportunists and self-serving actors dictate the rules, telling citizens how to live and limiting their access to basic services like electricity and clean water. Where government once provided reliable water systems, citizens are now left to drill boreholes for survival. Government has become a sanctuary for those who lack vision, and this leadership vacuum has left Nigeria struggling to fulfill its potential. As things stand, Nigeria’s fate seems increasingly dependent on divine intervention.

A look at history can offer a perspective and hope. Australia, once a British penal colony, transformed over time into a lawful, thriving democracy. Even the United States has faced its own corruption scandals: under President Ulysses Grant, government officials were entangled in the infamous Whiskey Ring scandal, where tax officers and distillers collaborated to defraud the Treasury. Similarly, President Richard Nixon’s resignation over Watergate marked a historic reckoning. These nations cleaned up their reputations and institutions, but can Nigeria do the same? Yes! If we hope that Nigeria will become a truly great nation, then we need a massive, coordinated effort of good people joining government at all levels—from the presidency to local government levels. Only then can we hope to see real change. This is where our help will begin. Solving Nigeria’s problems won’t come from countless articles or online critiques. The solution lies in filling government with capable, ethical people. There are too many filthy people in Nigeria’s corridor of power. And filthy folks running the government show at all levels will always muddle up the waters. They cannot clean up Nigeria.

X-@FolaOjotweet