Unmasking Monumental Corruption: An In-depth Exploration of Groups Shaping Nigeria’s Economic Landscape

By: Prince Kexter E.A Donald Jr.
(Email: Kexddy@gmail.com)

Commencing an in-depth investigation into the detrimental repercussions on Nigeria’s economic framework, these groups stand out as vivid manifestations of corruption, intensifying challenges that significantly contribute to the nation’s escalating problems and unwelcoming atmosphere.

Groups:

1. Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
2. Judiciary
3. Politicians
4. National Assembly
5. Civil Servant
6. Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
7. Police
8. Nigeria Customs
9. Nigeria Military
10. Nigeria Immigration
11. Traditional Rulers
12. The Hapless Citizens

At the top of the list, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) creates an enabling environment for the political class (No. 3) to exploit the remaining groups as willing accomplices in the systematic decimation of Nigeria’s economy. Concurrently, the Judiciary (No. 2) functions to perfect and rectify the injustices perpetrated by both INEC and the political class. This sobering reality reflects the state of Nigeria in 2023. Now, the game play began:

Chess Game of Deceit: Political Machinations in Nigeria’s Economic Landscape

The Chess of Deceit unfolds on the board of Nigeria’s economic landscape, with each player representing a pivotal group. The political class (No. 3) emerges as the strategic player, deftly maneuvering others to advance its interests.

Players:

▪︎1. Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) – The chessboard
▪︎2. Judiciary – The queen
▪︎3. Politicians – The player
▪︎4. National Assembly – The rooks
▪︎5. Civil Servant – The pawns
▪︎6. Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) – The bishops
▪︎7. Police – The knights
▪︎8. Nigeria Customs – The rooks
▪︎9. Nigeria Military – The bishops
▪︎10. Nigeria Immigration – The knights
▪︎11. Traditional Rulers – Observers/Powerful influencer
▪︎12. The Hapless Citizens

Gameplay:

• Opening Move (INEC): INEC strategically sets the stage, establishing the chessboard for the political class.
• Strategic Maneuvering (Politicians): The political class (No. 3) operates as the player, strategically moving across the board to control other groups.
• Legislative Leverage (National Assembly): The rooks (National Assembly) provide legislative support, fortifying the political class’s position.
• Bureaucratic Pawn Sacrifice (Civil Servant): Civil Servants, portrayed as pawns, become sacrificial in the political class’s quest, absorbing consequences and bearing the brunt of decisions.
• Economic Manipulation (EFCC): The bishops (EFCC), symbolizing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), strategically navigate economic landscapes, employing diagonal moves to ostensibly combat financial malfeasance. Paradoxically, their actions extend to shielding influential political figures, providing them with an unwarranted exoneration. This dual role becomes evident as the EFCC concentrates its efforts on pursuing individuals engaged in cyber fraud, commonly known as “yahoo, yahoo boys,” while concurrently safeguarding politically entrenched individuals who, akin to economic tricksters, unabashedly deplete the nation’s treasury.
• Strategic Enforcement (Police): The knights (Police) jump into action, enforcing strategies to ensure the political class’s dominance.
• Customs Control (Nigeria Customs): The rooks (Customs) secure control over crucial economic checkpoints, furthering the political class’s interests.
• Military Machinations (Nigeria Military): The bishops (Military) strategically position themselves, influencing events to align with the political class’s agenda.
• Immigration Tactics (Nigeria Immigration): The knights (Immigration) execute maneuvers to control movement, serving the political class’s interests.

Checkmate (Political Class): Through calculated moves and strategic manipulation, the political class achieves checkmate, solidifying its dominance over the groups, symbolizing the grim reality of Nigeria’s political landscape.

In chess, “checkmate” is a decisive move that puts the opponent’s king in a position of threat from which there is no legal move to escape capture. It signifies the end of the game with a victory for the player delivering the checkmate.

In this Chess game of deceit and corruption, the political class skillfully plays each group as a pawn to achieve its overarching goals, leaving the economic landscape in a state of checkmate. In moments of waning trust and support from the group members, the political class resorts to the divisive strategy of playing ethnic cards, exploiting existing divisions to maintain control through a “divide and rule” approach. This calculated maneuver allows them to manipulate sentiments along ethnic lines, diverting attention from issues at hand and consolidating power through strategic polarization. The political class adeptly utilizes this tactic to navigate challenges and perpetuate its influence, showcasing the cunning ways in which they navigate the complex landscape of public sentiment.

Traditional Rulers’ Stealth Moves:

In this intricate chess game of corruption, Traditional Rulers (No. 11) execute subtle yet impactful moves, leveraging their cultural authority and community ties to advance the political class’s agenda.

The strategic endorsement sought by individuals aspiring for various offices from Traditional Rulers illuminates a symbiotic relationship. Traditional Rulers, in providing their endorsement, secure the sanctity of their benefits, ensuring that the ties between the endorsed office and the traditional institutions remain sacrosanct. This dynamic highlights the intertwined nature of political and traditional spheres, where mutual interests shape the course of endorsement dynamics.

Hapless Citizens’ Role:

The Hapless Citizens (No. 12), unfortunately, contribute to their own plight in this chessboard game of deceit. In a paradoxical phenomenon of self-inflicted discord, these citizens engage in senseless defense of the very political class that has plunged them into unspeakable and indescribable penury. This self-defeating behaviours not only distracts from the collective pursuit of a better nation but also serves as a poignant reminder of the intricate web of challenges ensnaring Nigeria”s socio-political landscape.

Consequences of the Chessboard Power Play in Nigeria

This intricate power play significantly impacts the economy of Nigeria in several detrimental ways:

1. Corruption and Mismanagement: The collaboration between key groups and the political class perpetuates corruption and mismanagement of resources, diverting funds that could be used for economic development.
2. Injustice and Inequality: The strategic moves in this power game often result in injustices, leaving certain segments of the population marginalized and contributing to a growing wealth gap, hindering inclusive economic growth.
3. Erosion of Public Trust: The manipulation of groups erodes public trust in institutions, both nationally and internationally. This lack of trust can deter foreign investments and hinder economic progress.
4. Stifled Entrepreneurship: The economic landscape becomes unfavorable for entrepreneurship as individuals face bureaucratic hurdles, favoritism, and unfair competition, impeding the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises.
5. Infrastructure Decay: Emphasis on short-term gains rather than long-term development can lead to neglect in critical infrastructure projects. This neglect, in turn, hampers economic activities and overall national development.
6. Policy Instability: The power play introduces policy instability as decisions are made to serve immediate political interests rather than the long-term economic well-being of the nation. This uncertainty can discourage both local and foreign investments.
7. Brain Drain: The perceived lack of a conducive environment for professional and personal growth often drives skilled individuals to seek opportunities abroad (Japa syndrome), resulting in a loss of talent and expertise crucial for economic advancement.
8. Impaired Social Services: Funds that could be allocated to essential social services such as education, healthcare, and public infrastructure may be diverted, leading to a decline in the quality of life for ordinary citizens.

In essence, the power dynamics described contribute to an economic environment characterized by inefficiency, inequality, and a lack of sustainable development, impeding Nigeria’s ability to reach its full economic potential. “Nor bi juju bi that?” — a poignant question that echoes the disbelief and frustration of those witnessing the deep-rooted challenges facing the nation.

These 12 groups, pivotal as they may be, stand as formidable obstacles to Nigeria’s progress. They possess the keys to unlock the nation’s greatness, yet, regrettably, their current disposition reflects a self-serving agenda. The potential for positive transformation lies within these groups, should they choose to prioritize the collective welfare over individual interests. As it stands, their actions perpetuate a cycle of stagnation, hindering the realization of Nigeria’s full potential.

Unfortunately, the involvement of the Hapless Citizens in the elaborate game of deceit and corruption serves as a significant contributing factor to the ongoing challenges, presenting a perplexing scenario that appears to defy logical explanation.

The consequences of this chessboard power play reverberate across Nigeria, impacting the economy in profound and detrimental ways. The need for a collective awakening and a shift towards prioritizing the common good over individual interests becomes increasingly urgent for the nation to break free from this cycle of corruption and mismanagement, fostering an environment conducive to sustainable development and prosperity. ~ What’s your opinion?