So Nigeria is ranked second most corrupt country in West Africa, after occupying the 149th position of 180 in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for 2020.

It’s not everytime you score a high grade that it denotes success, this is a clear description of this opinion. As our dear country being rated 149 of 180 on the corruption score-sheet depicts doom to our development.

In as much as it’s impossible to be purged off any form of corruption that does not negate the fact that corruption in Nigeria could be brought to the lowest level.

Attesting to this, the report shows that the least corrupt countries are not very clean as their scores ranges between 80 and 89.

Nigeria listed as the second most corrupt nation in West Africa may not be new to many Nigerians who are aware of how we live here; with corrupt practices deeply rooted in our political sectors, places of work, religious centres, academics, and community.

However, it becomes worrisome that the nation ravage in corruption despite being governed by an administration that claims it frowns at corruption at all level of government.

Well as expected, the presidency has refuted the report. In the words of the Spokesperson to the President, Garba Sheu:

“The Buhari administration deserves credit for diminishing corruption in the public service and will continue to vigorously support prevention, enforcement, public education and enlightenment activities of anti-corruption agencies.”

He also added that the report is inaccurate, he said:

“This report is not an accurate portrayal of the facts on ground. In the coming days, the Government’s Technical Unit on Governance Research (TUGAR) will be providing more detailed information on the sources of the TI data.”

As the Buhari-Led Administration Really Diminished?

Justifying its report, TI identifies SERAP agitations for the investigation of the hoarding of COVID-19 palliatives by some individuals.

You may want to read: BREAKING: National Executive Council orders probe into CACOVID Palliatives Distribution

Some Nigerians have aired their views on this issue. Reacting to the question above, @JMaigamu tweeted:

“President Buhari has not by any means diminished corruption in the public service. In fact, he only succeeded in diminishing the anti-corruption agencies in the country using Ibrahim Magu & co. The EFCC & ICPC are merely shadows of their former selves now. What a man! Sai baba!🙌”

@firstladyship also said:

“Garba Shehu; let me refresh your memory on some of the data Transparency International (TI) used:

The charade at NDDC Reps probe
EFCC Czar, Ibrahim Magu’s corruption allegations swept under the carpet.
Misappropriation, hoarding, missing COVID-19 Emergency Relief Funds.
Oshiomhole, Tinubu, Amaechi’s massive corruption cases. Ganduje was caught on camera stuffing wads of dollars in his robe. On the contrary, Buhari happily appeared in public with Ganduje in person, to endorse his campaign for re-election in Kano. Corruption still fighting back?”

Also, @particular6 refute Garba Sheu’s claim, he said: “You all never accept your shortcomings. Don’t force achievements, for if they’re that laudable we will be the ones broadcasting them. Take your L and rest.”

Another Nigerian said: “In the jaundiced thinking of Garba Shehu, corruption can only be measured in Naira and Kobo. Meanwhile, nepotism, rent-seeking, cronyism and even despotic tendencies in a democracy are the highest forms of corruption.”