By Amara Thoronka

We have been describing corruption with all sorts of negatives. Though such perspectives and descriptions may differ, the thread that runs through is that corruption is a weapon against development and a killer of hopes, dreams and aspirations. Interestingly, even as we agree that corruption is evil and dangerous, we have been promoting it either consciously or subconsciously. We should understand how our individual or collective actions and inactions encourage and give life to corruption.

Most importantly, we have generally not had a common anti-corruption mindset transfused into our veins either at home, school, peer groupings, religious or political associations and other socializing agents. These agents in the socialization process are largely responsible for attitudinal and behavioural patterns. We are yet to have a culture where family relations and other close associates are concerned about how people make or get the money they have and spend. No one cares. This is one fueling factor giving corruption muscular pow

Another factor is the way our society perceives political power and authority. It is still a general perception that once you are elected into or appointed to a political position you are automatically rich because you are expected to accumulate so much wealth. Sadly, there is this culture of mocking people who decide not to be corrupt and limit their benefits only to their official emoluments even when they find it challenging to meet needs of their families. We hardly celebrate incorruptible and uncompromising people who serve in public capacities without blemish; rather we give thumps up to people with unexplained wealth.

Corruption also builds strong muscles when alliance is built to loot or embezzle public funds. Recently, there was a connivance between some staff at the Ministry of Finance and the Sierra Leone Roads Authority to steal a whopping sum of 8.6 Million New Leone [8.6 Million Old Leones]. The Ministry of Finance led by Sheku Fatamanda Bangura investigated the said fraudulent scheme and reported to the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC). The ACC further investigated and recovered the said money. Imagine an instance were such corrupt act is not exposed. The Finance Minister was praised by the ACC for exposing the corrupt syndicate. Such corrupt alliances are not just for those at the top; it includes any form of network or syndicate to commit any form of corruption in all walks of life.

Moreover, one of the most unfortunate militating factors against fighting corruption is the portrayals of corruption defenders. It has been a pattern to see people defending individuals accused to have stolen or misused public funds. It is so sad to see people defend corrupt indicted officials with their lives simply because they belong to the same social or political groupings. Corrupt public officials exploit such opportunity and behave like victims of circumstance being falsely indicted. Former and present public officials are not superpowers but servants who should be accountable to the people on whose behalf they serve. We should not make them demigods that should not be held responsible for their stewardship.

We also promote corruption when we know the time and place it happens and those involved, but we rather decide to keep quiet. Many people who have died may not have died if only public officials had honestly used funds directed to solve the problems or issues that caused their death. So, are your going to continue to be quiet and allow the destructive tendencies of corruption to continue reigning supreme in that your office, business place or community? Well, if you do that, you are not only promoting corruption but aiding it as well. Keeping quiet when the wrong thing happens does not make you a good person.

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ACC Commissioner Francis Ben Kelfala Esq displaying billions of recovered public money 

Another encumbrance in the fight against corruption or how we make the fight against corruption difficult to win is attacking the Anti Corruption Commission, the national antigraft agency, whenever they arrest and/or investigate our relations or associates. Whenever someone is arrested, investigated, found culpable and asked to pay stolen or misused public funds, our focus should be on urging the antigraft agency to follow due process and not attack them for simply doing their job. We should only come hard on them when due process is not followed in investigating and prosecuting alleged corrupt persons or when money they recovered is not returned to the State or if they themselves are proven to be corrupt. But if that is not the case, we all should support the ACC in their work.

The very big elephant in the room is the politicization of the fight against corruption. Governing Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and opposition All People’s Congress (APC) party have been the only political parties ruling Sierra Leone since independence in 1961. There is usually this trend of using partisan sentiment by politicians and their supporters when they are indicted for corruption. What should be prioritized by all of us is the resolve to dissociate ourselves from people indicted for corruption and allow them to defend themselves in court. Showing political solidarity in corruption cases is an indirect promotion of corruption.

We cannot be saying corruption is bad and must end, but our actions and inactions give it strength to be alive and kicking. Our educational system should put honesty and integrity at the center of curricular and extracurricular activities. Parents, school authorities, examiners and communities should discourage examination malpractice as that is breeding ground for students to be corrupt when they grow up and occupy public or private offices. Also, as the family is the first agent responsible to mold people, it should uncompromisingly instill anti-corruption mindset its young ones. Religious entities also have a role in the corruption fight as they are instrumental in influencing behaviours. The media and civil society should own the fight against corruption as they are the watchdogs of society. This can be done through consistent persuasive anti-corruption campaigns and investigative reporting. It takes collective effort to end corruption. Yes, we can, so, let’s do it.

 Copy right –Printed in the Expo Times News on MONDAY, April 8th, 2024 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)