The revelation that Paul Wolfowitz intervened to secure a substantial (tax free) pay rise for his girlfriend has cast doubts on the credibility of the World Bank in stemming corruption. The World Bank chief is on record to have suspended World Bank assistance to several countries for being corrupt in a move that angered several European governments.
Conspicuously missing in discussions on corruption are developed countries who willingly bribe Africa’s leaders with a view of securing business deals. They should remove the log in their eyes before they see the speck in Africa’s eye. African countries are keenly watching whether the due process of law will take its course on Wolfowitz.
This is however no celebration time for Africa, for two wrongs do not make a right. Many promotions to higher levels in Africa are made on grounds of nepotism, party affiliation, tribalism and corruption. Wealth creation is largely through political connections. Those favoured neither see the need to work hard nor observe professional standards, thereby breeding low productivity. Corruption, democracy and justice are used as marketing slogans to get to power but are quickly discarded once in power.
It is time individuals recognized that poverty is a personal affair, identified their role in being poor and chart a way out of their poverty. It is time that as much responsibility as possible was taken away from politicians and world bodies, and bestowed on individual citizens. This will considerably shrink the national and global cake, and free individuals to fulfill their dreams instead of wasting time waiting for the World Bank and politicians.
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