Oshiomhole causes ripples with his ‘774 thieves’ comment

Adams Oshiomhole causes ripples by suggesting that is is better to have more thieves than allow one man steal. While the comment was meant to support decentralisation and local government autonomy, critics it is troubling.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole’s recent comment that “it’s better to have 774 local government chairmen who are thieves than one big thief” has ignited a firestorm of reactions across Nigeria.

Oshiomhole made the statement during a forum on local government autonomy organised by the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution. His remarks acknowledged the Supreme Court’s ruling of July 11, 2024, which granted financial autonomy to local governments.

While the comment was meant to support decentralisation and local government autonomy, it has raised questions about Oshiomhole’s past as the governor of Edo State. Critics are now questioning the senator’s stance, wondering if he was a “big thief” during his tenure as governor.

Critics and governance experts are taking issue with Oshiomhole’s comment. “His statement is troubling,” said political scientist, Andrew Okeke. “It raises concerns about his past actions as Edo State governor. If decentralisation is so crucial now, why didn’t he push for it when he had the power?” Okeke insists that Oshiomhole causes ripples with the comment. According to him, the senator seems to contradict his previous stance on local government autonomy when he was in office.

Oshiomhole served as Edo State governor for eight years. During his tenure, he faced accusations of centralising power and bypassing local governments. Critics now point out the irony of his sudden advocacy for decentralisation. “His comment undermines the fight for genuine local government autonomy,” said a civil society leader, Justina Ephraim. “It makes one wonder whether he truly believes in local governance, or if this is just political opportunism.”

Political opponents react as Oshiomhole causes ripples

Political opponents have also voiced their concerns. “Oshiomhole’s comment raises serious questions about his integrity,” said a member of the opposition PDP, Osahon Efeosa. “If he was a strong advocate for local government autonomy, why didn’t he push for it as governor? Did he use the same reasoning to justify his own governance?”

The statement that “it’s better to have 774 thieves than one big thief” has been interpreted by many as an indirect admission that corruption at the local government level is widespread.  “It’s a reckless statement to make in such a public setting,” said Efeosa. “This will only fuel the already rampant perception of corruption in Nigerian politics.”

Civil society groups condemn the statement

Civil society groups have expressed their dismay at the senator’s comments. “By suggesting that having multiple small-scale thieves is preferable, he is trivialising corruption,” said Olamide Gbenga, a leader in Transparency Group in Nigeria. “It’s irresponsible to joke about corruption in such a serious political context. It damages the fight against corruption.”

Gbenga also noted that the comment is an insult to Nigerians, especially those who have suffered under bad governance. “The focus should be on improving governance and fighting corruption, not trivialising it,” he said.

The comment has divided public opinion. While some Nigerians argue that Oshiomhole was merely trying to highlight the benefits of decentralisation, others believe his statement exposes a deeper issue within Nigeria’s political system. “It’s a sad reflection of the state of politics in Nigeria,” said activist Funmi Akindele. “We need politicians who can truly lead with integrity and transparency, not those who play with words to cover up past misdeeds.”

Some critics still view him as a man of integrity, especially as he recently opposed his son’s appointment as commissioner in Edo state.

Governance experts say accountability matters

Experts argue that decentralisation should go hand-in-hand with accountability. “It’s not enough to decentralise power,” said Professor Chidi Ude, a governance expert. “If local governments are given autonomy without strong checks and balances, it could lead to increased corruption, as Oshiomhole’s comment suggests.” Ude believes that the real solution lies in strengthening governance structures at all levels, not just decentralising power without oversight.

Many agree that local government autonomy is important for grassroots development. However, they insist that it must be accompanied by transparency, accountability, and proper funding. “Without these elements, local government autonomy will only worsen Nigeria’s governance challenges,” Ude added.

Critics urge Oshiomhole to focus on reforming the political system rather than making controversial remarks. “If Oshiomhole is serious about local government autonomy, he needs to lead by example,” said a civil society leader. “He should start by holding corrupt politicians accountable at all levels, including his own party.”

Nigeria’s governance issues are multifaceted. While decentralisation may help, addressing corruption and improving leadership remain paramount. “The real problem is not just about decentralisation,” said political analyst Tunde Olayinka. “It’s about the political will to tackle corruption and promote good governance.”