I have a friend who was elected into a political office. Before he was elected he was well known for his uprightness and integrity. Now, his new office is filled with corruption in the form of looting of government funds. He told me that when the allocation from the central government comes, the chairman of the local government will call them and give them a large amount for their upkeep. But they still receive their monthly salary and allowance.
He is well aware that the allocation was for the development of the local government, but he is forced to take it since almost all the elected officers are collecting it. The first time he rejected the money, he received a threat that he would be impeached or violently attacked. This is because his colleagues are scared that he might reveal the corruption that is going on in the local government.
My friend decided to set up a foundation that gives scholarships and builds schools. With the illegal funds, he usually receives every month, he has been able to finance the education of many poor students in his ward and has also built and refurbished a few schools.
He knows that those funds he receives are illegal but he vowed not to use them for his personal needs. What is your opinion on this matter?
I believe that you people should be happy that your friend is still following his pledge to not use any illegal funds for his personal needs, this is because it is rare to find someone who keeps their word to the people before running for a position in government, most of them end up changing their minds and forgetting the people they promised better things for society. On the other hand, your friend isn't doing anything wrong in that he is still using the funds he raised to build schools and help those in need. I believe that your friend is stealing money from bad people to do what the funds are meant for, which are, in my opinion, the rebuilding of the school and the distribution of food to members of the public.
I can't blame some individuals responsible for their involvement in corruption after the election to succeed in their government roles, some of them were given orders from above and had no other choice. As a new member of the house, you will face different kinds of pressure and at last, have to join the corrupt. As long as your friend joins them, they don't care what your friend did with his money.