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THE EFFECT OF BRIBERY AND CORRUPTION IN NIGERIA SOCIETY

1-5 Chapters
Simple Percentage
NGN 4000

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY: The truism that corruption is a surest route that hinders development in any society does not need contention. Though, in some quarters, it is argued that corruption could trigger development (Otite, 1986). However, despite this assertion, there is a widespread held opinion condemning corruption in all ramifications and hence, worldwide outcry and call for eradicating the scourge. Evidence may abound that corruption could aid development; no such evidence could be claimed to any root most especially developing state (Nigeria inclusive). Compelling evidences across the globe demonstrate that corruption is an anathema to development (khan, a). Furthermore, evidences in Nigeria have shown that corruption does more harm than good. This is evident in the fact that despite Nigeria‟s abundant natural resources the country is classified among poor countries in the world. Added to this is the fact that about 54% of the population earns less than $1 per day. It needs to be stated that the incidence of extreme paradoxes of widespread and endemic poverty and hunger in the midst of plenty is a manifestation of corruption enmeshed in deteriorating condition of living (Ali, 2008). Statistics had also shown that “Nigeria is among the four largest economies in Africa” with a real GDP of 58.4 billion dollar and a population of about 140m” (Ibid).

Similarly, the enormous revenue generation capacity from oil and non-oil sectors, woefully contrasts with the decaying public infrastructures and extent of institutional development recorded. As it was rightly asserted by Salawu (2007), the phenomenon of corruption in Nigeria has made it impossible for Nigerians to enjoy the dividends of democracy and indeed the gifts of nature with which the country is greatly and abundantly endowed. This scenario is an acknowledgement that the state of affair in the country today is a reflection of pervasive corruption which has eaten deep into every facets of Nigeria life. Without gain saying, it is a wide held belief that corruption is a way of life in Nigeria and that it is responsible for broken promises and dashed hopes which has characterized the lives of most Nigerians. It is not surprising to hear people saying that Nigerians are corrupt. Making it a fait accompli. More so, Nigeria is a country where corruption is rife and where greed for material acquisition and quest for political power had relegated to the background morals preached by various religions. This is because despite our claim to be religious, our quest for relevance had made nonsense of our self acclaimed religiousity and nothing can be left undone by our elites and non-elites for the realization their self desire.The end, it is believed, justifies the means. To this end, there is now the increasing realisation about the ill effects of corruption on the nation‟s social, political and economic fabrics. Though, it is evident that there is no country that is totally free from corruption, the incidences of corruption is on the increase especially in poor and underdeveloped states. The Anti corruption efforts of the Nigerian government have proved ineffective, hence, large scale corrupt related cases, accusations and counter-accusations. There were cases of missing funds, police pensions scam, missing oil revenue or non-remittance into the federation account, contract scam, oil theft, administrative inefficiency or dereliction of duty, illegal sale or allotment of government land and property, bribery, extortion and other forms of corruption, economic and financial crimes.

There is a widespread disappointment in the path which many of the so- called democratic transitions that have taken the post – 1990’s Africa (just as the ones in post 1960 Africa). These transitions have failed to lead to constitutional rule, and have therefore not been veritable democratic transitions (Khan 2001). Many African political systems are characterized by changes from multiparty to one party rule, parliamentary government to presidential rule, federal to unitary forms of rule and the enactment of emergency powers to enable the ruling governments to disregard human rights and democracy. Many returned to centralization, concentration and personalization of power. The central characteristic of all these tendencies is that they provide for a culture of unbridled corruption and fettered democracy. It is therefore, not surprising that corruption manifests itself in virtually all spheres of life in Nigeria. (Nwankwo 2013). 

The outpouring of emotions by people shows how sore Nigerians feel about the virus of corruption that has eaten deep into the nation's fabric. The wanton abuse of public offices for self enrichment is considered the greatest threat to the nation's present democratic setting. The principal obstacle to the county's democratic rule is the corruption among leaders in general and among the politicians in particular.

There has been a significant change in the debate over democratization in Africa since the past five years. The Euphoria that followed the collapse of the Berlin wall in 1884-1885, signaling a new democratic wave in the continent has declined significantly. It is becoming clearer that no process of democratization can succeed without the supporting institutions and legal framework of a functional state. (Ibrahim 2004)

On May 29 2011, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan was sworn into office as Nigeria’s fourth democratic elected President. Although his victory was widely expected, the April 2011 presidential elections were still viewed with anxiety in local and international circles as to the future direction of the reform policies started by President Olusegun Obasanjo and the late Umaru Musa Yar’adua. Many concerns were raised towards the future of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan campaign against corruption likewise the previous presidency like former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Yar’Adua. Immediately after this, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan gave indication that his administration intended not only to continue with the war against corruption, but that major reforms would be introduced in the anticorruption war to correct perceived lapses and changes. (Sun News July 10, 2013).

These changes included shake-up in the leadership of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria’s most powerful anti-corruption agency; increased emphasis on respect for the fundamental human rights of accused persons and greater respect for rule of law and due process. This paper will review the major changes that have taken place in the fight against corruption in Nigeria since the departure of President Olusegun Obasanjo and Yar’adua administration, with a view to determining what factors triggered them and how significant they have been.

1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Bribery and Corruption has already marred Nigeria and the surviving strenght is slim because it has eaten deep into the Nation's fabric and national life. It is more rampant in the public sector. The political office holders both at the federal, State and local level engage in bewilding corruption. A situation where this prevails, much will not be expected from the public-office holders and this is detrimental to the survival of democracy in Nigeria. This problem has become so endemic on the Nigerian populace that it calls for perpetual research to provide answers to some pressing issues and questions arising from the menace of corruption using the anti crime corruption agencies.

The study will be pre-occuplied with the following questions:

  1. What has been the nature of corruption even before the democratic governance of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan?

  2. What are the root causes of corruption in Nigeria both at economic and political level?

  3. Why has corruption eaten so deep into the Nigerian political system?

  4. What critical role has the EFCC played in the Anti-corruption crusade?

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

  1. The study will provide account of how the war against corruption was developed under President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (2009 – 2015).

  2. Examine important changes that took place in the campaign against corruption, especially with respect to the management and operations of the major national anti-corruption agency under the administration of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

  3. Assessing the performance of the Anti corruption Agency in terms of both positive and negative impacts.

  4.  Examine the successful contribution and failure controvesies in the present administration of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

1.4 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This study will look into how corruption has been like since the period of Independence in Nigeria especially in the Fourth Republic. It will cover what the President Goodluck Jonathan Administration has done  (from 2009 – till 2015) to curb corruption practices in Nigeria. Emphasis will be made on the role of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) in the bid to curb corruption in the Nigerian political system.

1.5 METHODOLOGY

The methods of data collection is basically secondary data by using

1.         Document Analysis

Document analysis is a method of collecting data by looking at documents. Two basic types here are:

1.         Historical/Library/ Archival and

2.         Content Analysis

Generally, Document Analysis is the method by which we generate data from records and documents whether in print or electronic forms, audio or visual, published or broadcast. Historical method enables the researcher to reconstruct the past in an objective and systematic manner as he or she set out to answer research questions, meet research object or test hypothesis. Because data collected through this method have been recorded by others and not by the researcher in the first instance, such data must be tested for the following: Authenticity, Accuracy and Significance. It is as demanding and testing like any other social science method of collecting data. The measuring instruments here include research notes, tapes, magazines, journals, textbooks etc.

Content Analysis is about collecting data from documents.

1.6 Limitations of the Study

This study is a qualitative study; therefore all efforts will be generated to reading of articles, document, journals, internet news, books and all anti corruption leftlet in other to document the best informations. Also to subscribe for internet is costly in Nigeria, therefore money will be involve in the project.

1.7 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The totality of this study will provide the basis for developing appropriate ways of curbing corruption in order to enhance and sustain democracy in Nigeria. Because the issue of corruption is not only found within the African continent alone, it encompasses all other continent. Corruption is endemic everywhere, the costs of addressing corruption are prohibitively high, and the few resources that exist should be spent on enforcement measures, such as high- profile government watchdog agencies.

 But, in fact, there is increasing evidence that the economic costs of corruption are enormous; levels of corruption vary widely among developing countries; controlling corruption is feasible, and strategies to address corruption need to pay more attention to its root causes and thus to the roles of incentives, prevention, and specific economic and institutional reforms. For instance, the role of economic and financial crime commission (EFCC) at the national level and other related offences agency.

1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Corruption (theoretically), according to Khan's definition, is an act which deviates from the rules of conduct governing the actions of someone in a position of public authority because of private motive such as wealth, power or status." Also, Paulo Mauno (1997) has observed, bureaucratic corruption can be traced to government international in the economy, policies aimed liberalization, stabilization, deregulation, and privatization.

Bureaucratic Corruption: Can be traced to government international in the economy, policies aimed liberalization, stabilization, deregulation, and privatization. Corruption (operationally),   hinders the rule of law, discourages   foreign investors and affects economic development etc.

Anti Corruption: is designed to eradicate or prevent dishonest or fraudulent conduct especially in a political context.