Disregard for rule of law, more dangerous than corruption – US envoy

The United States’ Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr William Stuart Symington, has described disregard for justice and rule of law as more damning a corruption, than stealing of public fund.

The US envoy stated this while responding to questions on the sideline of the convocation lecture of the University of Ilorin in Ilorin on Monday.

Symington delivered a lecture entitled “Citizen Leadership and the Link between Economic Diversity and Democratic Good Governance” at the event.

Symington said for Nigeria to develop like the United States, the nation needs patriotism, selfless and transparent service, justice, and consistency in doing good as important  factors adding that disregard for justice and the rule of law should be seen as a greater form of corruption than stealing of money.

“What many consider as the great corruption is stealing of money; But to me, the greater corruption is when people are deprived justice, when you do things without regards to the rule of law,” he said.

The US envoy however said the process of making Nigeria great requires a collective effort of all the stakeholders with the citizens working with the government instead of only relying on government for improved fortunes.

Symington who expressed believe in the future greatness of Nigeria urged the citizens to always do at home what they do while abroad which is giving priority to their Nigerian identity as against tribal or regional one.