Citizens responsible for corruption among politicians – Ex-Minister, Prof Suleiman 

A former Minister of National Planning, Professor Abubakar Suleiman, on Tuesday in Ilorin, fingered the citizens as the major reason for the widespread corruption in public offices across the country.

The former minister who is presently the Director General of the National Institute for Legislatives and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Abuja noted that the people’s overwhelming expectations and unrealistic demands from the politicians upon assumption of offices was the major reason why public office holders engaged in  corruption.

He spoke at the 28th Media Parliament of the Kwara State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) as part of activities to mark the 2019 Press Week of the union.

The former minister, who served during the tenure of former President Goodluck Jonathan, said public office holders could be tempted to engage in unwholesome practices following pressures from citizens.

According to him, “Corruption among politicians is caused by the people due to unrealistic demands. For instance, no Minister earn N1million as monthly salary. But funny enough, some people may approach you that they want to give out their daughter in marriage or they want to hold naming ceremonies. They may come up with N50million demands when in actual fact, you don’t earn N1million as salary in a month.

“To correct this menace, our people must stop demanding frequently from the public office holders so that we don’t end up tempting to do what is wrong while in offices”, he explained.

Suleiman, who spoke on a topic “Ensuring True Separation of Powers between Legislature and Executive: The Role of National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies,” advocated for a constructive relationship among the three arms of government to uphold the constitution and the rule of law.

He, however, challenged the legislative arm to strengthen its oversight function according of the constitutional provision in order not to be perceived as a mere appendage of the executive.

“It is widely recognised that good national governance depends upon the main state institutions working cooperatively. A constructive relationship between the arms of government is essential to effectively maintain the constitution and the rule of law.

“Timely consultations between all stakeholders can play a significant role in avoiding gridlocks, improving understanding and delivering development to the people,”  NILDS Director General said.

In his remarks, the Chairman, Kwara State Council of NUJ, Mr Umar Abdulwahab, said the event was organised to interact with those in the helm of affairs at various institutions of government and private sector.

He said that the objective of the forum was to bridge the existing gap between the institute, media professionals and members of the public with a view to promoting good governance.

At the event was the Vice Chairman, House Committee on Information, Hon Omotayo Awodiji, Hon AbdulGafar Ayilara and Director of Information, Kwara State House of Assembly, Mr Ayobami Akanbi, lecturers and students of Mass Communication department, University of Ilorin and  Kwara State University, Malete among others.