THE BISHOPS of Nigeria have spokenout against corruption in politics and public life there.
The bishops' conference said in a recent public statement that there were three areas of "grave concer:: --politics, money and work "Politics in Nigeria are de generating into personal antagonism, harsh words, character assassination, half-truths and even falsities. unsuitable language in radio, press and television. and intolerance of other views and other political opinions," they say.
Money presents an even worse example of corruption they say. "Mono). is immoderately and unjusii:, pursued and desired by many Nigerians. Many people acquire money through unjust and dishonourable ways. such as armed robbery. embezzlement of government or company funds, kick-backs on government contracts. inflation of government projects and invoices, buying over of other people for political, economic or other aims etc.
"Corruption has invaded many sectors of our national life.'
The corruption puts the nation in danger. the bishops add. Our immense divinely bestowed gifts of highly qualified personnel, plentiful mineral resources. immense agricultural wealth and international greatness are in danger of going to waste because of our wrong attitude towards money in its acquisition."
Attitudes towards work also need to be changed. they suggest. Many competent and qualified Nigerians are lazy in their work. They are indisciplined. They lack a sense of honour and joy in their work. They, however, want promotion and quick rewards by nepotism, tribalism, bribery, god-fatherism, political manouevring and sheer embezzlement."
Many workers are betrayed by their employers, the bishops claim. "We condemn the delay in the payment of salaries of workers. It is lamentable that in some states in our Federation, some workers are not paid for more than two months." The bishops call on employers to pay promptly.