One leads to the other and vice versa. Though some argue that while poverty does not have to lead to corruption, corruption always leads to poverty. However you look at it, there is a strong symbiotic relationship between the two.
Let me share one of my own personal stories. Currently I'm working in the northern part of Nigeria. Far north to be "almost" precise. A place so hot, I sweat like a pig about to be grilled whenever am indoors and PHCN cuts the power supply. One of the most backward states in Nigeria actually.
There are a lot of issues about the state that make you wonder wether the state government has literally blinded the eyes of the people, but one of the most aggravating is the issue of fuel.
I've been told that tankers of petrol meant for the state are routinely diverted to the border, where they are sold for profit, leaving people stranded in queues at filling station. Infact, there are some stations that have never had fuel in the 8 months I've been here.
There are a couple of filling stations that almost always have fuel, but at such places it is sold at at 80 to 100 Naira per liter, instead of the recommended 65 per liter. The interesting thing is that at every station you find black marketeers buying fuel in hundreds of gallons, to be sold later at exorbitant prices to stranded vehicle owners.
Barely 2 hours ago I was queuing up at such a station and I painfully observed what was going on. At that time I frankly didn't give a rats ass about the price. I just needed juice in my car. I contemplated feeling angry at that point, considering the stinking fact that because of the hard-heartedness of the state government, we had to be starving in the midst of plenty. And I was tempted to direct some of that anger to the young black marketeers that were pestering the station attendant to fill up their 25 litre jerry cans.
But I took a closer look at them and I was filled with nothing but pity. I mean you could see poverty written all over their sunburnt faces and cracked feet. Tell me why they wouldn't connive with whoever to make sure that petrol was scarce, so that it could be sold at higher prices. In a country of over 120 million people all hustling for scarce Naira, people will do whatever to feed their stomachs.
Pity!
The corruption of the elite that steals the future of the masses.
Visit: www.humanrights-geneva.info/Corruption-nourishes-poverty,3534
They make the fuel scarce so that they can make profit. And the poor help them to achieve their goals because in doing so, they can make a few bucks to see them through their miserable lives.
I wish I could write this article with a knife, using the skin of some corrupt leader as my paper so y'all can see the blood and tears that are sacrificed on a daily basis. Needlessly for that matter.
But...(if wishes were horses, then plastic surgery would be hot cake for our upcoming doctors!)
Well folks, I've come out of my shell after a long period of silent observation of Nigerian society. I hope after reading this piece, you will feel what I feel and make a commitment to rid this country of the twin evils. No matter how long it takes!
