Trust But Verify..

In the early days of our administration, someone approached me with what he termed a “fantastic deal”. This was after Mr. Governor had written to the State Assembly requesting approval to borrow a 100billion Naira (which he never borrowed anyway). So, this person, a close friend, who ostensibly was sincere too. Just that those pitching the deal to him only wanted to “use” him to gain access before pulling what would have turned to be a huge scam.

So, let’s say this close friend’s name is Ifeanyi (not real name). Ifeanyi came to me talking about a 500million Dollar single digit loan from a Bank in China with a 25year moratorium. However, the Creditors would want a sit-down with Mr Governor and the rest would be history. Me sef come dey think am. But, given my poor knowledge of how some of this financial transactions work, I relied on the capacity of Ifeanyi as a former Bank executive.

Long story short, I mustered the courage to hint my Boss about the said offer. He looked at me, smiled and said. “You see, Mazi tell them to come for a chat with the Commissioner for finance. If indeed this is real and pulls through I will personally gift you and your friend a 5% success commission”.

I took the gist back to my friend, enthusiastic and expectant. Calculating how much fortune the god of my parents have brought my way. Brethren, up until date Chinese people I no see, Creditors I no see. My 5% success commission became a hope delayed that maketh the heart sick. Years after, my Boss reminded me about it,

“Mazi kedu zi ndi Chinese loan gi?” He asked looking straight into my eyes. “You see, in my previous life as Chief Economic Adviser to President Obasanjo, I saw a lot of this bogus stuffs. Some of them actually came and it ended up a waste of time and resources, because there were some we lodged at the Hilton and stayed long hours discussing futile scam-laced ideas”. He tapped me on the back and said, “oburo tata k’anyi fu balu awusa na uta”.

Nobody is actually immuned from being scammed. People scam governments too. It takes experience and some depth of knowledge from a Chief Executive to see beneath powerful presentations and sweet sounding pitches. My Boss, left me with these words; “Trust, but verify”. Another way he puts it that is heartwarming, “we all believe in God, every other person must show data”. Never under estimate the place of due diligence in all you do!

However the Enugu State Government Vs Sujimoto case turns out, it will become a lesson in leadership and why bureaucracies exist in government!

— Mazi Ejimofor Opara PhD writes from Awka, Anambra State.