Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mike Ozekhome, has raised a crucial point regarding the treatment of political corruption in Nigeria. During a lecture titled Has Democracy Led to Good Governance in Nigeria? at the Midwest Achievers Awards in Benin City, Ozekhome called for political corruption to be tackled with the same level of seriousness and penalties as financial crimes. He argued that political corruption is undermining democracy and good governance, especially as it often goes unchecked due to the significant power wielded by those involved.
Ozekhome specifically pointed to the impunity of Nigeria’s political elite, accusing them of manipulating the system for personal gain, and lamented the persistent issue of electoral malpractice. He stressed the importance of addressing these issues through robust post-election processes, which should not only determine winners but also hold accountable politicians and their agents who break electoral laws. He proposed penalties such as imprisonment and fines to ensure that political actors remain accountable for their actions.
In his address, Ozekhome emphasized that free and fair elections are the cornerstone of legitimacy, transparency, and accountability in governance. Ensuring that elections are properly safeguarded and that violators face significant consequences would, according to him, foster greater accountability among leaders.
The lecture was part of an event where Ozekhome was honored with the Defender of Democracy award, recognizing his efforts in promoting democratic values and legal integrity. The Midwest Achievers Awards, as explained by the event’s Director of Organisation, Owen Omo-Ojo, aims to celebrate individuals who demonstrate ethical leadership, resilience, and inspire positive change in their communities.