US is disappointed but individual attitude can change the situation

The United States of America may cut aid to Nigeria following the presidential pardon granted a former governor of Bayelsa State, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha and seven others.

Nigeria is one of the biggest recipients of US aid in Africa. Last year the US gave Nigeria about $226m in development aid and is expected to spend $600m this year.

Alamieyeseigha was found guilty and convicted of corruption before he was pardoned on Tuesday by the National Council of State after a meeting in Abuja.

The US stated that it was disappointed that those convicted of corruption could be pardoned by the President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

It said the move was a setback for Nigeria’s anti corruption crusade.

A US newspaper, The Hill, quoted the State Department spokeswoman, Victoria Nuland as saying, “The United States government is deeply disappointed over the recent pardons of corrupt officials by the Nigerian government.

“We see this as a setback for the fight against corruption and also for our ability to play the strong role we’ve played in supporting rule of law and legal institution building in Nigeria, which is very important for the future of the country, obviously.”

Asked if the US could cut off aid, Nuland said it was possible, adding that the pardon put a dent on the collaborative efforts between Nigeria and the US in fight against corruption.

N.B: I know it will be very difficult for United States of America to cut aid to Nigeria but the truth is that we have showed  the rest of  the world how corruption has eaten deep to our marrow. This administration has is failing by encouraging corruption. In spite of all these corruption surrounding us like the wall of Jericho, we shouldn't emulate the wrong leaders as an individual and followers but we should all change our attitude and philosophy by taking care of the office the way we take care of our homes, public utilities such as ; toilet, buses, and of course, government’s monies should be spend judicially the way you prudently spend your hard earnings .If we could put this attitude into practice, then, we can be confident soonest Nigeria will be a better place for all us and unborn generation.