EGUNJE

Of corrupt politicians and technocrats, egunje is the order of the day. Bureaucracy has an increased tenancy, and the governance system has suffered. The polity have been on the receiving side, still craving for the dividends of democracy to trickle down to them to the grassroots. Oh how, we claim that our colonial masters did sow the seed of corruption right in the fabric of a budding nation. Today, I wonder if Nigerians, were not born with corruption running in our DNA. We are wont for synonyms for it - nepotism, favoritism, self-aggrandisement. But the average Nigerian is corrupt. I am not an exception either. But for our nation to forge ahead and awake from its slumber, the sleeping giant must rid itself of this canker worm.

To this effect, #EgunjeInfo was born. It's made its rave on twitter, and for once, when people say Nigeria's youth are only keen to engage good governance online and hide their faces when the real action beckons, we are taking the step of showing up with our faces with a zeal to fight corruption. Ladi Kwali Hall at the Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Conference Centre it is by 3pm today, and #EgunjeInfo comes to town - alive. While there has been an online campaign with hashtag, poetry, essay and photography competitions, we are taking it to the next level. And I would be in the number, wanting to rid my country of corruption. I liken corruption this though:

The priest in rhythmic vociferity chants

e'gun je... e'gun je... e'gun je

Scary, how my cowries vanish in a rush