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By Zika Bobby
The infamous video recording of a former governor, allegedly receiving a bribe has been making a fresh round on social media platforms in the last few days, drawing the ire of the general public anew. This comes in the wake of recent speculations suggesting that the former governor is in contention for a ministerial position or the chairmanship of the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Mr Datok Pam, representative of Patriotic Nigerian Thinkers, (PNT), an independent group, said in the video, first released by an investigative journalist in 2017, the governor is seen accepting wads of dollar bills alleged to be a bribe from a contractor in the state. Expectedly, the footage was met with public outrage, forcing the state assembly to constitute a committee to investigate the allegations.
“Since the return of the video, many Nigerians who were already raising eyebrows in response to speculations of his possible appointment have voiced their reservation and unease at the development,” he said.
Pam said the resurfaced video has been trending on Twitter, as many were not happy with the development.
A Twitter user described the development as “disheartening,” adding that: “We need leaders who inspire trust, not those embroiled in corruption allegations.”
Another tweet by a Twitter user @Abyuusuuf_ wrote: “His corrupt attitudes can have a significant impact on a society, it can also make it more difficult to achieve important goals, such as poverty reduction, education, and healthcare. Might use his power to channel the budget of any project to his pockets.”
Another read: “He not only collected bribes in dollars, he illegally deposed a God-fearing ruler who fought for women’s right and girl-child education. You can’t wish Nigeria well and wish this man a minister. Trust me; he’s more deserving of a prison cell than a ministerial office.”
For Twitter user @Asad_Mukty, it was about the pride of his state. “The shame he brought to our state. This is how Kanawa were being ridiculed all over the country. Any sensible man will despise his antics and shelve him from gaining access to any public office.
“In the midst of intense focus on the presidency and the ruling party, discussions about the potential appointment of the former governor to a ministerial position or party chairmanship persist, sparking a growing chorus of voices demanding utmost transparency and accountability. As public attention remains riveted on these developments, the clamour for a clear and honest decision echoes louder than ever before,” Pam said.
