By Tony Okafor
There are many ways to make money in Nigeria. Some wake up at dawn, struggle in traffic, and labour honestly. Others invest, save, and pray. But in recent times, a new and more efficient pathway has emerged: the miraculous money error transfer.
As a patriotic citizen and a humble subject of the Anambra State Government, I write today with deep concern — and even deeper expectation. Because, frankly speaking, I’m waiting for my own ₦100 million mistake.
The recent revelation by the Nigeria Police Force that ₦100 million from Anambra’s money accidentally landed in the personal account of the son of a former Inspector-General of Police is both inspiring and discouraging. Inspiring because it shows miracles still happen in Nigeria. Discouraging because such miracles seem selective.
Since the news broke, I’ve been checking my bank app for balance regularly with renewed hope.
Each alert sound now gives me goosebumps. Unfortunately, the alerts I receive remain stubbornly familiar: “₦1,500 airtime purchase,” “₦3,200 POS withdrawal,” and other mundane transactions. My account has refused to experience any technological breakthrough or glitch.
I’m appealing to the relevant authorities, especially His Excellency, to consider the rest of us. Equity demands fairness. If errors must occur, they should be distributed democratically. Why should only a few privileged bank accounts benefit from computer mistakes?
We’re told the money was later reversed. This is troubling. It suggests the system works only after the miracle has happened. I’m ready to cooperate: let the ₦100 million land in my account, and I’ll display the highest patriotism while awaiting reversal. I’ll even hold it in trust for 48 hours.
Some ask who authorised the transfer. I think this question misses the point. How can ordinary citizens register for this programme? Is there a portal? A waiting list? Transparency requires government explain how errors are allocated.
The EFCC’s interest in Anambra’s past finances from a certain former governor should encourage innovation. Why not institutionalise the error? Let every citizen receive a quarterly “mistaken transfer” as a dividend of democracy. It’ll reduce poverty and stimulate the economy.
This confirms rodents and ghosts have been unfairly blamed. It’s software generosity, not rats eating public funds.
To restore confidence, government should publish guidelines:
– Frequency of error transfers
– Eligibility criteria
– Minimum and maximum amounts
– Duration before reversal
– Can beneficiaries earn interest?
Until reforms, suspicion will continue. Citizens will wonder why their accounts are ignored by destiny.
As a loyal son of Anambra, I pray:
May the next glitch remember me.
May the next algorithm favour me.
May my bank account be visited by the spirit of “mistake.”
Until then, who transferred Anambra’s ₦100 million into the former IGP’s son’s account? What is good for the goose is good for the gander.
Ubi jus ibi remedium.
EKWUCHAM !
