By Victoria Okpanachi
Professor Usman Ogbo, a distinguished scholar in political science, has called for a constitutional review and the imposition of harsher penalties on perpetrators of corruption, emphasising that such measures are necessary for national growth and development.
He made the recommendation while delivering the 37th Inaugural Lecture, of the Federal University Lokoja, with the title “Corruption Versus Corruption: Unpacking the Wuru-Wuru of Anti-Corruption Crusade in Nigeria.”
Prof. Ogbo highlighted the selective nature of Nigeria’s anti-corruption campaigns, noting that minor offenders are often punished while more powerful actors escape justice.
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He described corruption as a systemic obstacle, deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political and administrative structures, and blamed it for the country’s persistent poverty, insecurity, and low development rankings.
The inaugural lecturer identified key drivers of corruption, which includes scarcity of basic necessities, fake political promises, growing obsession with material wealth, and the “get-rich-quick” syndrome in modern society.
He recommended constitutional amendments to strengthen anti-corruption laws, proposing that corruption be treated as a capital offence to serve as a strong deterrent.
The Professor further stressed that addressing corruption requires more than legal measures, calling for collective societal responsibility and a shift in moral values alongside institutional reforms.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, in his address, congratulated Prof. Ogbo for tackling a subject of national importance.
He described the inaugural lecture series as a platform for fostering critical thought and policy discourse, encouraging scholars to use research as a tool for social change.
The inaugural lecture drew an unusually large crowd, from academic community and political class, including the Deputy Governor, Comr. Joel Oyibo, and other distinguished guests.
