By Martin A. Ugboma
Following Nigeria’s transition from prolonged military rule, the nation welcomed democracy with optimism and a renewed sense of purpose. However, beneath this hopeful surface, early signs of ethical lapses began to emerge.
Consider the example of Alhaji Salisu Buhari, who was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives. To meet the constitutional age requirement of 30, he falsely claimed to have been born in January 1963 instead of January 1970. Moreover, he admitted to presenting a fraudulent Business Administration degree from the University of Toronto and fabricating his NYSC certificate. These admissions led to his resignation, revealing how youthful ambition sometimes eclipses adherence to legal and moral standards.
Yet, this episode was far from an isolated incident.
About fifteen years later, President Goodluck Jonathan appointed the same disgraced figure to the governing council of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, a respected academic institution. This move underscores how such controversies have become alarmingly commonplace within Nigeria’s political arena.
More recently, the Minister of Technology and Innovation, Uche Nnaji, resigned amid allegations of submitting counterfeit certificates from the same university and falsified NYSC documentation. Despite these serious accusations, it remains uncertain whether this will hinder his political ambitions, including his gubernatorial aspirations in Enugu State. History offers a parallel in Dr. Okechukwu Ikejiani, who was dismissed as Pro-Chancellor of the University College, Ibadan in 1951 for fabricating a Doctor of Science degree, yet later served as Chairman of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, illustrating how such scandals often fail to derail political careers.
These patterns reveal a disturbing acceptance of dishonesty and corruption, with public indignation often muted and repercussions minimal.
Why should Nigerians be shocked when politicians flaunt their wealth on social media, showcasing convoys of brand-new luxury cars and entourages of aides? Why should we be concerned when neighboring nations achieve remarkable milestones-like Ethiopia commissioning a 5,000+ MW power plant or China operating the colossal 20,000 MW Three Gorges Dam and launching a 60,000 MW hydroelectric project-while our Senate remains embroiled in debates over reinstating a suspended female senator?
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Police directs citizens to a new online portal for tinted glass permits, and the Customs Service intensifies efforts to enforce a 4% levy on import values. These bureaucratic distractions divert attention from more urgent national challenges.
Amid these contradictions, Nigerians are bombarded daily with WhatsApp invitations to “friends’ committees” for funerals or birthday parties-sometimes organized even before the deceased is buried. This raises questions about the true role of friends in financing such events for distant relatives or mere acquaintances.
Genuine friends naturally unite to alleviate financial hardships during difficult times. However, it is inappropriate and shameful for individuals to solicit funds from others to finance their own extravagant celebrations. If one desires a lavish funeral or birthday event, they should bear the expenses themselves. Relying on friends to fund such displays of affluence signals financial distress and contradicts the image of prosperity one aims to project. For those uncomfortable with this truth, biblical wisdom offers perspective: “Let the dead bury their own dead.”
What defines a “befitting funeral,” and who should shoulder its costs? Why do we prioritize ostentatious ceremonies while struggling to afford basic education and healthcare?
Our cultural notion of a befitting funeral often mirrors a grand banquet reminiscent of ancient feasts, featuring an abundance of livestock-cows, goats, even exotic animals-accompanied by loud masquerades, street vendors, musicians, and crowds that include beggars and pickpockets. Clergy frequently use these occasions to deliver lengthy sermons and solicit donations for various church projects.
While political scandals may have numbed us to corruption, our own societal behaviors continue to erode communal values. Just as schools annually update textbooks to compel parents to purchase new copies-preventing siblings from reusing materials-we seem to adopt a similar approach with students, promoting them continuously to avoid failure. As the saying goes, “Nothing Musa hasn’t seen at the gate.”
It is imperative that we exercise discernment before normalizing “friends’ committees” for wedding anniversaries and other celebrations. We must reevaluate our values and priorities to restore dignity and rationality to our social customs.