Nigerian Past Regimes That Fought Corruption and Their Outcomes

 

(14 August 2024)

Background Information

Today, some Nigerians use the national issue of food insecurity to fuel conspiracy theories against the PBAT government, labeling it as part of the EndBadGovernance campaign. 

On closer inspection, this campaign appears to be corruption fighting back against those who challenge it.

Past Reviews

Complaints about corruption in Nigeria have persisted since the First Republic, nearly seven decades ago. 

Tafawa Balewa was a God fearing man, doing his possible best to govern Nigeria and known for simple life of prudency. 

Until some malicious groups cook up corruption campaign against him. 

The corruption campaign cumulated into a 1966 bloody coup that killed Tafawa Balewa and several Hausa and Yoruba leaders.

Since then Nigeria has been praying for another good leaders to govern Nigeria. 

Yes, God answered Nigerian prayers on coupled of times but corruption always fight-back to overthrow and scuttle good regimes.

Nigeria had 16 leaders since 1960 after independence but only three out of 16 leaders had the courage and audacity to fight corruption.¹

Past Regimes That Fought Corruption and Their Outcomes

In Nigeria’s history, only three regimes have had the courage to tackle corruption. 

Unfortunately, two of these regimes faced significant challenges that cut short and terminated regimes abruptly.

The PBAT regime is the third government in Nigeria’s history to confront corruption and aim to establish a corruption-free society. 

However, as we can see, corruption is already fighting back, using food insecurity as an opportunity to blackmail and discredit the PBAT regime through the EndBadGovernance campaign.

First Attempt to Tackle Corruption in Nigeria

In 1977, General Murtala Mohammed’s regime came to power with the aim of tackling corruption from day one. However, corruption fought back, ending his regime in a bloody coup after just six months.

Second Attempt to Tackle Corruption in Nigeria

In 1983, the Buhari-Idiagbon regime came to power, positioning themselves as the successors of Murtala Mohammed’s regime. 

They immediately started fighting corruption, but their regime was terminated after 20 months.

These examples illustrate why Nigerian leaders often avoid tackling corruption—because corruption fights back and can cut short government regimes.

Nigerians Re-Elected Buhari to Fight Corruption

In 2015, Nigerians re-elected Buhari to tackle corruption as he did in 1983. However, remembering his previous experience, Buhari avoided the task to ensure he could complete his eight-year term. Instead, he focused on other nation-building tasks like infrastructure development and ignored reports of corruption.²

PBAT: The Third Attempt to Tackle Corruption in Nigeria

PBAT came to power in 2023 and began tackling corruption risking his political career by way of Obidients protest, military coup or losing second term. 

PBAT started fighting corruption from his inauguration pulpit in May 29, 2023 and has remained in power for over a year, making him the second Nigerian leader to fight corruption and stay in power for that long after Buhari-Idiagbon regime.

He has survived various protests and strikes.

Fighting corruption amidst food insecurity brought by terrorists, bandits and cattle rustlers has brought hardships to many households in Nigeria. 

So far, the enemies of Nigeria have failed in their conspiracy campaigns to overthrow the Tinubu government.

For PBAT’s anti-corruption efforts to have lasted this long is a significant achievement, and we pray that this grace leads Nigeria to eventual success. 

PBAT is already making history in the fight against corruption, and we pray that God Almighty grants him victory.

Recommendations and Conclusion

Corruption has been tackling good governance since Nigeria independence and always fighting-back and terminate regimes abruptly.

Now that Nigeria has another courageous leader in PBAT, then it is more appropriate for us to support the government to succeed in eradicating the corruption once and for all. 

There is no need to postpone the doomsday to our incoming generation. It is now or never.

Nigerians should be wary of Obidients, they are doing everything possible to bring Nigeria to its kneel. 

They can't  succeed on their Conspiracies unless you give them the chance. The recent protest where they decided to set all Nigeria on fire and decided peace on their region should be an eye opener.

Nigerians should also beware of selfish politicians waiting and watching to use citizens impatience to come back to power. 

For political reasons, the selfish politicians can undo what PBAT has done. They would leave corruption alone so as to complete their terms and postpone the doomsday to incoming generation.

Please share as part of a contribution for better Nigeria.