Former Minister of External Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi says it is impossible for anyone to become a billionaire in the country without engaging in corruption.

He is also of the view that until government fights corruption with determination, it will be difficult for the poor masses to enjoy the dividends of democracy.

Professor Akinyemi spoke during a lecture entitled; “Leadership, Democracy, and Development” in Akure as part of the activities marking the inauguration of Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State for a second term.

Majority of Nigerian billionaires, according to him, are promoting corruption, adding that the result is that the present generation of Nigerians have lost hope in their leaders.

The former minister said: “No one can be a billionaire in Nigeria today without being corrupt. If you are a businessman, you would have evaded tax or other levies like import duties with the active connivance of those in charge.

“Your entire income as a political office holder, either elected or appointed, cannot make you a billionaire without indulging in corrupt practices.

“It is also not possible for you to work and retire as a civil servant in whatever capacity and become a billionaire without being corrupt.

“I know I am stepping on sensitive toes but I can handle that. Unless our leaders tackle the issue of corruption and offer selfless service to the people, our democracy may not produce the desired development we are all expecting.”

Akinyemi lamented that Nigerians had sacrificed their value system on the altar of greed, indiscipline, selfishness and insatiable craze for material wealth.

Continuing, he said: “There are no more values to hold on to. Parents not only encourage their children to cheat in order to beat the system, but also aid and abet them in their nefarious activities. No one believes anymore in the concept of society.

“Nigerians have created their own God in their own image. In my youth, to be accused of theft or any other criminal offence was tantamount to being banished from the society while to be convicted was tantamount to suicide.

“However, today, no one asks for the source of wealth. People in jail, accused of murder, run for and win election. “More than a score of members of the Nigerian Senate have EFCC court cases hanging against them. Only in Nigeria do you steal billions and escape with less than a million naira fine.”

The former minister explained that Nigeria’s problem which invariably led to its backwardness in all ramifications, started after the military coup which displaced the first civilian generation of leaders in the country.

His words: “Only three years after independence, whatever system existed was shattered by the thoughtless overthrow of the Western Regional Government and from then on, politics of development was replaced by politics of looting.”

Akiyemi did not spare the judiciary, saying criminals who should be in jail are moving about because the judiciary has failed to play its role effectively.
http://demipost.com/former-minister-you-cant-be-a-billionaire-in-nigeria-without-corruption/

i understands where he is coming from.

But he should also understand that there are still decent Nigerians who are not involved in politics, doesn't have any government connections, doesn't have government contracts, doesn't cheat fellow men, doesn't get involved in fraudulent practices, rituals or any form of crime but are silently and steadily heading to the billionaires club thru hard work and diligence!

I am almost there and will see you when i get their Sir. . .