By: Odieh Ramon, Yenagoa.
A university Don and Activist Prof. Philips O. Okolo from the state own Niger Delta University (NDU) Wilberforce Island Amassoma in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State on Wednesday described Corruption as the abuse of entrusted power for private gain.
The erudite professor said, it can happen in both public and private sectors. Saying it’s not limited to government officials alone but cut across all spheres of life.
Prof. Philips O.Okolo stated this during the 62nd Inaugural Lecture of the Niger Delta University at the Main Auditorium, Glory Land Campus Amassoma with the title,
“CORRUPTION, GOVERNANCE AND DEVELOPMENT: NIGERIA IS SECURE”.
According to him, there are various forms of corruptions which he described as Petty corruption which has to do with everyday abuse of power by low-level officials, Grand corruption which he said is systematic, and high-level political corruption.
Other forms of corruption he called Political corruption and that is by manipulating policies, institutions, or rules of procedure and Bureaucratic corruption which he said is a corruption in civil service and administration.
He said the bane of corruption in Nigeria is as a result of bad governance. Saying, “Governance on the other hand is about how decisions are made, how power is used, and how institutions function. Good governance involves transparency, accountability, participation, and justice”.
Okolo posited that, governance is actually the problem of Nigeria.
Speaking further said in terms of security, Nigeria is secure, saying Security is not just military strength but that It includes economic opportunity, justice, trust in institutions, and freedom from fear.
Institutional security, Growing stability in electoral processes, more transparency, but institutions remain vulnerable.
In terms of Economic security, Prof. Okolo described Nigerian youths as resilient, entrepreneurial, and digitally savvy, saying but the state must enable them with supportive policies. “The path to secure and safe Nigeria is not solely rests on eradication of corruption. But am saying that Nigeria has a governance deficit, governance was supposed to actually provide development and also to provide how corruption should be minimized and without this, it means there is governance failure”.
Earlier in his welcome address the vice chancellor of the Niger Delta University, Amassoma, Prof Allen Agih has reiterated the importance of an inaugural lecture in the university community as a means of inspiration, and mentorship to students, colleagues and the broader community, highlighting the importance of academic pursuits and research.
He stated that, it was an opportunity to celebrate Prof Philips Okolo,s promotion, signifying his roles and responsibilities.
“The inaugural lecture provides an opportunity for Prof Philips Okolo to share his research insights, and perspectives with the academic community and beyond”