The Hidden Weapon of Corruption in Nigeria - Stephen Wise
The most feared killers—bandits and terrorists who set nations aflame—don’t carry guns and lighters; they wield papers and pens. They are educated, yet illiterate, not philosophers. They don’t realise the power of their signatories, who have used it to manipulate the masses, siphon billions meant for education, infrastructure, and, by doing so, have caused irreparable damage and suffering for generations unborn. In Nigeria today, the gravest threats often do not wear uniforms or brandish weapons in the open. They operate from behind desks and sign hands—policy makers, project evaluators, bureaucrats, and influential stakeholders who wield power through ink and signatures. Public funds earmarked for education, health, infrastructure, and social welfare are frequently diverted or siphoned through opaque procurement processes, ghost projects , and inflated budgets . The signatories: politicians, bureaucrats, and their associates, possess the ability to authorize, approve, and allocate res...