In a stirring display of integrity, Fela Durotoye, former Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on National Values and Social Justice, revealed that he turned down a staggering N5 billion fraudulent offer while in office. This disclosure was made during his speech at the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria’s biannual conference in Abuja, sending ripples of admiration across the nation.
Durotoye, who has long been recognized for his advocacy for ethical leadership and governance, recounted how he was approached to inflate the nationwide leadership training program budget. The program, aimed at all 774 local government areas of Nigeria, was initially budgeted at N1.3 billion by Durotoye’s team. However, the offer came with a twist: an unnamed official, who identified as a pastor, proposed inflating the invoice to N5 billion, with promises of additional personal benefits for Durotoye.
“They suggested adding N700 million to make it N2 billion, but then they wanted me to submit an invoice for N5 billion,” Durotoye explained, emphasizing the moral conflict this posed, especially for a program meant to instill ethical values.
Choosing integrity over personal gain, Durotoye immediately disconnected from the conversation by turning off his phone, marking a clear stand against corruption. His decision was later vindicated when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested individuals for misappropriating N426 million from a similar fund intended for ethical leadership training.
The former presidential candidate under the Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN) did not just stop at rejecting the offer; he served his term without drawing a salary, nor accepting an official car or house, showcasing his commitment to public service rather than personal enrichment.
“I did not collect an official car, I did not collect a house, and I did not collect a salary for serving,” Durotoye stated, noting that his refusal to partake in these perks was seen as a challenge by some in government, making it difficult to formally conclude his service due to the lack of conventional “corruption handles.”
This revelation has sparked a significant conversation on social media, where citizens have praised Durotoye’s integrity, calling for more leaders of his caliber. His story highlights the personal battle against corruption and challenges the systemic issues within Nigerian governance.
The tale of Fela Durotoye’s refusal of a N5 billion fraudulent offer has become more than just news; it’s a lesson in ethical leadership at a time when Nigeria, and indeed many nations, are in dire need of such examples. His actions serve as a beacon, encouraging both current and future public servants to prioritize the nation’s welfare over personal gain.
