Shettima’s Comments On Corruption Spark National Uproar As Afenifere, Ohanaeze, and Others Slam His Stance

Shettima’s Comments On Corruption Spark National Uproar As Afenifere, Ohanaeze, and Others Slam His Stance

Several prominent socio-political groups have criticized Vice President Kashim Shettima’s recent comments regarding corruption and Nigeria’s federal structure………READ MORE

Organizations such as the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and Ann Kio Briggs, leader of the Niger Delta Self-Determination Movement (NDSM), have expressed differing opinions on Shettima’s stance.

At the 17th Leadership Annual Conference and Award, Shettima controversially stated that corruption, not federalism, is Nigeria’s primary issue. He also defended the federal system, saying no system worldwide is perfect and that Nigeria’s challenges are due to poor resource management rather than flaws in the federal structure. He argued that the government’s reforms, including local government autonomy, would address these issues, suggesting a federal system that reflects Nigeria’s unique realities.

However, many groups strongly disagreed with Shettima’s view. The Middle Belt Forum, represented by its President, Bitrus Pogu, argued that Nigeria’s federal system exacerbates corruption. Pogu emphasized the need for restructuring, calling the current system “not true federalism” and blaming it for the nation’s governance problems.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo, through its National Publicity Secretary, Ezechi Chukwu, agreed, stating that a proper restructuring of Nigeria’s political and institutional framework would more effectively combat corruption. Chukwu argued that the current federal system centralizes power and leaves federating units without the autonomy needed to curb corruption.

Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba group, also echoed the call for restructuring, with National Publicity Secretary Jare Ajayi emphasizing that while corruption is a serious problem, it will persist unless the nation’s structure is reformed. Ajayi urged the federal government to prioritize restructuring, believing it could address systemic issues that perpetuate corruption.

The ACF expressed similar concerns, with National Publicity Secretary Professor Tukur Muhammad Baba suggesting that the government itself enables corruption through inaction.

Ann Kio Briggs of the NDSM also criticized Shettima’s remarks, arguing that corruption is merely a symptom of the deeper issue of Nigeria’s lack of true federalism. Briggs asserted that a restructured system would allow regions to control their resources, leading to better governance and less corruption.

These reactions highlight the ongoing debate in Nigeria about the need for a more equitable federal system to resolve systemic issues like corruption and inefficient governance.