FCT Residents React to Tinubu’s Claim of Eradicating Corruption

 

By Sofiat /Zainab

Some residents of the federal capital territory, FCT, have disagreed with President Bola Tinubu’s recent claim in Brazil that corruption has been eradicated in the country.

They insisted that corruption not only persists but has worsened across key sectors of the economy.

Speaking with Democracy Radio on Wednesday, they described the President’s assertion as “far from reality,” stressing that corruption remains the root cause of insecurity, food inflation, poor governance, and the collapse of the education system.

“Even a blind man knows there is corruption in Nigeria,” chindinma said. “The corruption is big in Nigeria, and it is shameful for anyone in leadership not to admit it. Denying its existence is an insult to the lived realities of ordinary people.”

Another respondent…..Akin, reacting sharply to the President’s televised remarks, described it as “a slip of tongue.” While acknowledging that reforms in the energy sector following fuel subsidy removal may have reduced graft in that area, he argued that corruption still thrives in other sectors.

“On the road, if the President has the opportunity to stand by and watch what uniformed officers are doing, especially outside Abuja, he will see corruption glaring everywhere,” he said.

“Go to hospitals, schools, government institutions—when you try to transact business, you will realize that without settling someone, you won’t get what you want.”

On insecurity, another respondent Femi,argued that corruption has crippled the fight against insurgency and banditry.

“If corruption had been eradicated, insecurity would not still be ravaging us. Our security personnel would be well equipped and motivated to fight bandits, herdsmen, and Boko Haram. But even the police are not properly treated, so how can they fight?”

Food security was also highlighted as evidence that corruption remains entrenched. “The so-called big men hoard foodstuffs after buying them cheaply, while ordinary Nigerians pay higher. And yet we are told corruption is gone?” the respondent said.

The education sector was not left out. One speaker recalled personal experiences with prolonged strikes, blaming corruption and broken promises for the collapse of Nigeria’s academic system.

“Lecturers are threatening to go on strike again because their salaries and promised allowances have not been paid. I personally spent five years completing a three-year master’s programme because of repeated strikes. How can anyone say corruption has been eradicated?”

More damning allegations pointed to the judiciary and ministries as hotbeds of graft.

A respondent John , with direct dealings in government contracts alleged that the justice system, including the Supreme Court, has been compromised.

“The judiciary, which is supposed to be the custodian of justice, has instead become compromised. I have seen a whole lot of moral decadence in terms of corruption happening along the judicial line,” he said.

He added that ministries such as Mines and Foreign Affairs are also deeply affected. “If you go to ministries and parastatals, you will see the level of decadence happening there. The level of corruption cannot be measured.”

The citizens urged President Tinubu to “beam a searchlight” on every sector of the economy and confront corruption with decisive action. Some even demanded the declaration of a state of emergency.

“It’s not true that corruption has been eradicated. A lot still needs to be done. As a matter of fact, corruption eradication should be a major priority. There should be a state of emergency declared in this country as a result of corruption,” a respondent concluded.

Their remarks amplify growing public outcry that corruption continues to undermine governance, weaken institutions, and erode trust in the system, despite government assurances of reform.