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Corruption Has Produced Thousands Of Elite Thieves In Nigeria – Kenyan Law Professor
October 9, 2010 – Corruption Has Produced Thousands Of Elite Thieves In Nigeria – Kenyan Law Professor Patrick Lumumba
A Kenya Professor of Law, Patrick Lumumba on Monday decried rising wave of corruption in Nigeria, saying that the malaise has produced thousands of elite thieves in the biggest black nation on planet.
Lumumba was the keynote speaker at the 9th edition of ‘Fela, the Debates,’ with the theme: “40 years after FESTAC. 20 years after Fela…Wither the Pan-African Dream?” The event was held at the NECA House, Ikeja, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria, in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the demise of Afro-beat maestro, Fela Anikulapo Kuti. It was one of the activities lined up for this year’s Felabration Festival.
Felabration is an annual festival of music and arts commemorating the life and times of Nigeria’s foremost musical icon, the late Fela Anikulapo Kuti.
Speaking at the event, Lumumba lamented that corruption has been the bane of the African continent, saying that it was roughly estimated that through the activities of corrupt individuals who were in position of authority, the continent was losing huge sums of money.
He likened Nigeria to the case of the popular book, “Alibaba and the 40 thieves,” saying that the case of Nigeria has gone beyond 40 thieves but thousands of thieves.
“Today in Nigeria and the 36 states of Nigeria, you read the story of Alibaba and the 40 thieves, you will discover that they are no longer 40 thieves, but thousands of thieves. Until the day we liberate ourselves from the clung of these thieves, Africa is going nowhere.
“We are in a continent where the occupation of public office is a gargantuan of acquiring wealth. We have to ensure that the continent of Africa is free from corruption and it must come,” he stated.
Lumumba added that when former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Nuhu Ribadu was fighting corruption, he was forced out of the system, saying that when the same Ribadu vied for the presidency despite his pedigree, he was rejected.
According to him, the current president, Muhammadu Buhari came out with the mantra to fight corruption and was elected, lamenting that when he started fighting corruption, some people were now saying “oh let corruption come back. What do you want your president to do? “
The professor said if corruption must be won, it must not only be at the top, but that all, including civil servants, companies and others must say no to corruption.
“Civil servants, don’t be corrupt, Petroleum minister, don’t be corrupt. There is no justification for corruption. Corruption undermines education, values, infrastructure; corruption destroys our being, it is the reason why Africa countries can never be allowed to sit at the UN Security council, Corruption must be dealt with. Fela saw it many years ago, Fela was a human being and not a Jewish prophet,” he said.
Lumumba stated that when Fela introduced the Afro Beat music, he never meant it to be for entertainment and for dance alone, but that he wanted the nation to ‘dance’ to the Afro Beat of good education, infrastructure, good health system, among others, which he said were lacking in the system due to corruption.

Steve Onuh
October 10, 2017 at 12:24 AM
Solve your problem before u put Nigeria matter for head
Iron man
October 10, 2017 at 11:56 AM
This professor is right
Elvis
October 10, 2017 at 8:58 AM
Prof you got it right, Nigeria is home for elite corrupt thieves why the poor are dying of hunger those who are meant to protect and alleviate the suffering of the poor Nigerians are stealing from them, how awful is that? A country that call itself giant of Africa has the largest number of Billionaires in Africa, but poverty thrives in the nation, over 70% of Nigeria are poor. About 113 million Nigerians are living in extreme poverty, what is wrong with such a giant nation in Africa?? The elite will steal from government then immerse such wealth and working the street without the challenging such. Nigerians must rise to demand for greater share of their wealth to become inclusive in the economic empowerment.God Bless Nigeria.
Linda Evans
October 10, 2017 at 9:15 AM
What is your business? Remove the log in your eyes first, Your president father Jomo Kenyatta first ruled in Kenya and the son Uhurru has been in power for fifteen years and you want to remove the specs in Nigeria eyes. You need commonsense, foolish man.
Big Aunty Koks
October 10, 2017 at 10:46 AM
How long has this man lived in Nigeria that he thinks he knows Nigeria enough to pass such judgment? Nothing justifies insulting other Nations and Whoever brought him should let him know that Nigerians take exception to his comments. Mchweeew!
G. S. Babatunde
October 10, 2017 at 10:49 AM
No objection whatsoever.
However he too should vie for elective Office and lead by example not only speeches up and down
God save Nigeria
Iron man
October 10, 2017 at 11:54 AM
This professor is right
uzoma
October 10, 2017 at 12:55 PM
Tell them the truth Professor Lumumba. The fight against corruption must be fought by everybody but unfortunately, you have those who are mostly affected worshipping the corrupt politicians. Take the case of Ibori as an example. The man stole Delta state blind, exonerated by a very corrupt Nigeria judge after receiving million dollar bribe, went to London and went to jail, was released after 5 years and was celebrated by his people as a hero. Why then will the politicians stop stealing? Another bid politician went to jail during the reign of Obasanjo but when he was released his people held a welcome party and a church service for him.
Endurance
October 10, 2017 at 7:06 PM
So many of the world’s problem could be solved if we could just tame our tongue. Its very much glaring that corruption is a key constraint to greater growth and prosperity in kenya. Corruption is happening in kenya in a staggering amount of ways and it involves not only in public sector but also in the private sector and among the civil society at large. Therefore, that kenya law professor should kindly learn how to his bridle his tongue and mind his country’s business rather than meddling in other nation’s internal affair.
NIYI
October 12, 2017 at 9:17 AM
It only fools that will always ignore the truth. Prof Lumumba we love you, you are a gift to Africa and mother nature.