Before public officials take up office, they are at most times required to take the oath. They hold the Flag on one hand and raise the other and promise to work in the interest of the public that has trusted them with the office and responsibility.

However, considering the number of resignations, sackings and even prison sentences slapped on public officials, it appears that by taking oath, they think they have landed on a shortcut to get rich.

Recently, the Ministry of Local Government released figures indicating that since the last election of local government officials in 2006, more than half of these officials are no longer in office largely due to corruption tendencies.

These statistics may be alarming, but, they point to the fact that the corrupt have no place in today’s governance structures. They also point to the fact that accountability is a principle for which government is not about to relent.

On the other hand, these arrests and sackings of senior government officials are evidence that the vice continues to grow and that there’s need to use concerted efforts in uprooting this problem.

We need to keep our eyes open on corruption because this cancer literally kills. It undermines development, it deprives our citizens of the right to basic social infrastructure and it translates into mediocrity in service provision.

Rather than accommodate corrupt officials, they must be exposed and weeded out. This will be a warning to whoever takes up the vacant position or more so, stop corrupt minded candidates from contending for public office.

The top leadership of this country has shown the will to stamp out this ulcer. What it needs is everyone’s support--to be vigilant and point a figure to those who are in bed with this vice.

But most important, our leaders need to live to the expectations of the oaths they take.

Ends