By, Olawale Ogunbusola, Ibadan

The nation’s bane of progress, widely known as corruption, appears to have grown from one administration to another. Can we afford to lose international prestige despite the intellectual capacity of many citizens at home and in the diaspora?

I strongly believe the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu intends to tackle this hydra-headed problem, judging by the total withdrawal of fuel subsidy, with its positive impacts already being felt across the country as of July 5, 2026.

However, as this administration struggles to reshape the nation’s socio-economic stance, some elements appear to be working against it. Only a hypocrite will say President Bola Ahmed Tinubu does not mean well for Nigeria. But will the intended plans and policies survive in the face of a deeply rooted culture of corruption?

Findings indicate that of the three forms of corruption – petty, grand, and looting – none is absent in our society. Prayers alone cannot save us. What we need is decisiveness, untainted legislation, and political will to drive progress for both citizens and institutions. “Uzzahs” must be totally separated from the present administration if we are to get due democratic dividends.

WHO WAS UZZAH?

Uzzah was the son of Abinadab, in the Holy Book. His household had a long-standing tradition of caring for the sacred Ark. He and his brother, Ahio, were tasked with transporting the Ark to Jerusalem during King David’s reign.

He grew up in Kiriath-jearim, where his father, Abinadab, safeguarded the Ark for roughly 20 years after the Philistines returned it.

One day, as the ox bearing the Ark of God tilted and the covenant box almost fell, Uzzah ambitiously steadied it. Alas, he was struck and he died instantly.

The mysterious death of Uzzah perturbed King David at the time, and he named the spot Perez-Uzzah, meaning “to burst out against Uzzah.”

This allusion becomes referential to the ongoing Gbajabiamila/Adeniyi “Ghost Agency” saga in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. No one will deny that since 2023, the present administration set out to curb the growing trend of corruption, with evidence of the fight seen in cases involving Emefiele, Malami, Betta Edu, and others.

Nonetheless, concerns have been raised over allegations of corruption in the nation’s democratic governance, particularly regarding a self-acclaimed Director General of a non-existent federal government agency birthed as PRESIDENTIAL FOREIGN INVESTMENT PROMOTION COUNCIL, also known as PRESIDENTIAL ECONOMIC ADVISORY COUNCIL, PEAC – Adeyemi Adeniyi.

The “ghost agency” saga has critically x-rayed the essence of internal collaboration in any alleged crime, whether successful or not. Reports claim the agency operates from the 2nd Floor of the Federal Government Secretariat in Abuja, with portraits of the President, Adeyemi Adeniyi himself, and some high-ranking officers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

It is also alleged that the agency welcomed clients, guests, lawmakers, traditional rulers, and even wooed foreign investors. Most troubling, the agency allegedly lobbied for its budget in the nation’s annual budget, with an eventual allocation of ₦1.3 billion reportedly defended and approved by the National Assembly. This is heartbreaking, if true.

As a Yoruba adage reads, “Ija de, lorin dowe” – meaning disagreement turns to a war song. While this “ghostly founded” agency was under scrutiny, promotions allegedly continued. Quite unfortunate, the name of the Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Femi Gbajabiamila, a respected six-term former Speaker of the House of Representatives, has also been mentioned in connection with the alleged “ghostly founded” government agency.

What could have led to this? He has his good name, influence, and credentials. Could it be a politically motivated plot? After all, Gbajabiamila did not pursue gubernatorial ambition in either Ogun or Lagos as rumoured. Could it be connected to his open endorsement of Sanwo-Olu’s deputy governor, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, as the next governor of Lagos State? These are the thoughts currently ongoing.

The self-acclaimed DG is reportedly an indigene of Ogbomoso in Oyo State. Oyo is a pacesetter. Why this at the national eye? All allegations must be thoroughly investigated: that Gbajabiamila demanded 48% from the “ghostly founded” agency, the existence of multiple accounts with the nation’s apex bank, and an application to fund the proposed establishment of the agency across the 36 States of Nigeria. What effrontery! This would represent a height of corruption in the history of the African region, let alone Nigeria, if proven.

At this point, Nigerians demand due transparency in the investigation and sanctions. Only this will restore more confidence in the government’s effort to deliver undiluted democracy.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should consider the suspension of the two individuals allegedly involved from office for due and formal investigation. Betta Edu was suspended in a corruption-related issue, and investigation on her case continues while she is out of office. Individuals working with government, aside from the President, Governors, and principal lawmakers, do not enjoy immunity.

Nigerians should be more conscientious in their dealings. As my personally coined proverb says, “After a heaven, there is a heaven.” Judges should dispense due finality on controversial cases. All mechanisms against corruptibility in our country should embrace impartiality for a reflective and sound democracy.

In a nutshell, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should sweep out the “Uzzahs” from his administration for the fuller acknowledgement and beneficiality of the intended RENEWED HOPE AGENDA. We trust him to mete out needed justice in the right order.

Olawale Ogunbusola is a broadcast journalist, author, columnist, public affairs analyst, and educationist. He writes from Ibadan: waseyori2@gmail.com