Lucky is on the loose

Softer bail conditions

I cannot say that I am glad to report that Lucky Igbinedion, the ex-governor of Edo State who was indicted for corruption charges has been able to secure bail and leave prison.

I wrote last Friday that the bail conditions were almost impossible to meet and even though his lawyers seemed to be able to coral two federal permanent secretaries, the Head of Service of the Federation refused to use her office to vouch for a private citizen with his own legal travails.

When it became apparent that the lady would not be bought or prevailed upon by rotten influence peddlers the lawyers returned to the judge to seek other terms that were within the machinations of their ilk.

Now the conditions have been varied to only have people with landed property in the jurisdiction of the court and no requirement for the Head of Service to introduce any of the sureties.

Like I commented in my earlier blog this now shows that fewer people would allow their offices to be brought into disrepute by suspect criminals, no matter how much they can spend or what Senior Advocates of Nigeria they can use to scare other parties.

Proofread and correct

Mr. Igbinedion is supposed to report to the EFCC every fortnight on a Friday, it grates that sometimes one has to read Thisday Online with utter disdain because twice they have written that he should report to the EFCC every first Friday fortnightly.

The laudable art of proofreading has died a horrific death in the Nigerian press.

Even months after I have posted blogs, if I read through stuff and find errors, I correct them and repost.

King of the jungle mentality

Beyond this, I would suppose there would be a welcome party to greet the man of the people when he returns to his home state and that is very unfortunate.

We as Africans have to take our concept of leadership beyond the primitive concept of the King of the Jungle – in the jungle, animals fight, vie for ascendancy and power and maintain that office with menace and coercion.

As human-beings we have evolved beyond that rule of the jungle to expect people who gain leadership to be accountable, honest, fair and just in their leadership duties.

We cannot continue to revere leaders who have abused their positions for personal gain just because that have once been in leadership, these people should be constantly apologising for their poor leadership and their dishonest tenure rather than being regaled by the teeming mob of never-do-wells who scramble for every sop and crumb that falls off the rich man’s table.

Alas! That is why tyrants, despots, dictators and thieves find honour in Africa amongst their people – we need a serious re-education – Pretty Damn Quick!