By Joy Odor
A member representing Njikoka/Anaocha/Dunukofia Federal Constituency of Anambra State, Hon. Dozie Ferdinand Nwankwo has said that bad leaderdhip and corruption are the major problems facing Nigeria.
Speaking after being honoured by an anti-corruption group, Centre for Ethics and Self Value Orientation he said bad leadership leads to corruption.
“We produce crude oil and export it to other nations and import refined fuel. To me that is bad leadership.
“We supply electricity to Niger Republic and other places, yet we live in darkness in Nigeria, that is bad leadership and corruption.” he said.
Dozie said the bad leadership and corruption has led to so many problems in the country which has also placed heavy burden even on the lawmakers.
He said the primary responsibility of legislators is lawmaking but they are forced to do other things which don’t fall under their constitutional roles.
“There is no social insurance. If people want to go to hospital or school they come to us for either medical bills or school fees.
“Though, this is not our responsibility but we have to do it.”
On his part, Prince Saleh Musa Yakubu, Director, Centre for Ethics and Self Value Orientation who said his group is all about ant-corruption noted that in their index of corruption, which is done once in three years, said Nigeria Police and Judiciary top the list. Others are permanent secretaries and directors in MDAs, lecturers and National Assembly.
He however, said the impression that National Assembly is the most corrupt institution is not correct, noting that the budget of National Assembly as an arm of government is below the budget of some agencies of government.
He said the vision of Nigerian past heroes have been abandoned.
According to him, today in Nigeria, mediocrity is celebrated in place of integrity.
He said the honour and award bestowed on Hon Dozie is based on his character, conduct and outstanding performance as legislator.
He said though they are bench warmers among the lawmakers, Dozie is among those who perform well and warm others.
