Bankole: The potrait of political arrogance

The decision of the immediate past speaker of Nigeria's House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole to dictate when to respond to official invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)was most regrettable and should be condemned by all well-meaning Nigerians. By his actions, Bankole attempted to rubbish the collective efforts by government and the citizenry to sanitise the nation's economic, social, and political landscape that is bedeviled by pandemic corruption. With this shameful act, it will take more efforts and time to convince the international community that the much talked about war against graft in Nigeria is genuine. Let us not forget the fact that as a nation, Nigeria cannot make much headway if the global business community does not have confidence in the ability of government to isolate corruption from private and public businesses in the country. It is the economic sector that sustains the socio-political framework of every nation.

With the Bankole saga very fresh in mind, this writer is compelled to suggest that the National assembly quickly create a law that will punish whoever that refuses to honour the invitation of any of the anti-graft agencies in the country. With such law, Bankole and his likes will not make the mistake of ignoring the invitation of either EFCC or ICPC in future.

Many had thought that Bankole will hurriedly use the opportunity of his invitation by EFCC to clear his name of all charges and insinuations. By his actions, he has indirectly given credence to the opinion of the EFCC and thereby raising even more suspicion. With the quality of the nation's justice system, there was no need for him to attempt to hide from the long arm of the law.

Thank God that despite all the pride and arrogance he displayed, the arm of the law was long and strong enough to catch him. At least, the whole world will know the truth. More than that, the international community will be convinced that we are serious about the war against graft. Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones. Did Bankole throw stones? Let the courts answer this question.