Being a mayor this season is not an enviable task, either here or in the USA.The game of musical chairs that has been unfolding in most districts in the country has been so intense that it is difficult to keep up with the new faces that keep popping up.
Most of these local leaders were the victims of too much power which they failed to harness for the interests of their electorate, but channeled it in lining their pockets.

On the shores of the Atlantic, in New Jersey, USA, something similar is playing out, and maybe we could pick a lesson or two.

The state has earned its name, the armpit of America (because of the foul smell in the air caused by the numerous chemical industries) which has kept law enforcement officers busy.

A network of 40 people, including mayors, rabbis and politicians, were arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) after a long and patient operation and America is reeling in shock.

Even the FBI were surprised that the scope of corruption was so widespread, but it took its time, built its case and then it pounced. That is the lesson we should learn.
Whenever a Rwandan mayor, or any other official is found in the wrong— be it corruption or abuse of office— he or she is either jailed or simply dismissed from office. But there is hardly any effort to dismantle the network the official has built.

With all certainty, if all investigative skills were used, many more people could land in the police dragnet.
Rushing to remove the official from the picture but leaving behind his tentacles is not the solution.

Our law enforcement organs should instead take the New Jersey route; methodically seek to eliminate the whole network.

Corruption has no boundaries, as shown in the US case, and this season seems very accommodating to the scourge.

Ends