A CRITICAL EVALUATION OF THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION AND INSECURITY IN NIGERIA: A CASE STUDY WITHIN THE PERIOD OF 2019-2023
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Background of the study: Although several social and economic policies have been implemented by successive administrations in the fourth republic, Nigeria has not made significant progress in social, economic, and political development (Adagbabiri & Okolie, 2021:107). According to Ogundiya (2010) as cited in Adagbabiri and Okolie (2021:107), Nigeria's political economy is characterised by political instability, extreme poverty, high youth unemployment, rising crime rates, limited health prospects, and widespread malnourishment.
Corruption is a significant issue that poses a great threat to every community (Agbekaku, Itakpe & Okoye, 2021:291). The problem is clearly visible in the high rates of unemployment, poverty, hunger, disease, insecurity, infrastructure deterioration, and deficit throughout the entire nation. According to Ngwube & Okoli (2013:92), corruption in Nigeria has deeply infiltrated the political system, comparing it to a destructive cancer. It is widely acknowledged globally that corruption in Nigeria is deeply ingrained and prevalent in both the public and business sectors of the country. From the information provided, it is evident that corruption undermines the integrity and security of the nation. In addition, it poses significant challenges for development as it contributes to the impoverishment of the population.
The governments in our country have made continuous efforts to combat corruption through different measures. These include the Independent Corrupt Practices and Allied Commission (ICPC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Budget Monitory and Price Intelligence Unit, which oversees the contract award process known as due process, and the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, which sets standards for the behaviour of public servants (FGN, 2007). However, even with the implementation of the mentioned regulations, they failed to achieve the desired results as these measures alone cannot completely eliminate the issue of corruption. They are simply mechanical mechanisms created to eradicate corruption. These gadgets may be considered temporary. Furthermore, one can explore the option of considering a proposal that extends over a substantial duration. The current order must also undergo transformation and make room for the new. There is a need for a transformation in attitudes. Life's values must undergo a transformation.
The concept of social standing and authority should no longer be symbolised by private property. A society that prioritises the equitable distribution of wealth, justice, and fairness should replace the acquisitive society. Despite the implemented reforms and significant allocation of national budgets to the security sector, the incidence of insecurity remains a cause for concern. Organised crimes, election-related violence, and violent extremism have consistently posed a threat to national and individual security. The Nigeria Delta Crisis initially led to the emergence of activities like oil bunkering and abduction, which eventually spread to other parts of the country following the amnesty agreement in 2009 (Salawu, 2012:28). In addition, there have been alarming incidents of armed robbery, car theft, and ritual murders in the country. The rise of the dangerous Boko Haram insurgency in Northern Nigeria, particularly in the North-East region, is a significant and pressing issue. The Boko Haram group's actions pose significant security challenges in present-day Nigeria.
Statement of research problem
The high level of insecurity in Nigeria is primarily a result of the government's failure, stemming from widespread corruption and political issues. Nigeria's human security situation is greatly compromised by a range of factors, with corruption being a prominent concern. The connection between corruption and national security is significant, as highlighted by Agbekaku et al. (2021:292). According to Mustapha (2020;19), the issue of insecurity affects every state. Nigeria's Fourth Republic has been plagued by a rising tide of corruption, which has had a significant negative impact on national security. There have been numerous casualties and extensive damage to properties, while the Nigerian political landscape continues to be plagued by social insecurity and persistent political instability. The increasing prevalence of corruption and insecurity in Nigeria's Fourth Republic is a cause for concern among the general public and poses significant challenges for the government. The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential negative effects of corruption and insecurity in Nigeria.
Objectives of the study
The aim of this study is to analyse the influence of corruption and insecurity on democratic governance in Nigeria's Fourth Republic.
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To investigate how political corruption has become one of the most infamous obstacles to democratic governance in Nigeria.
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To identify the impact of political corruption on democratic governance in Nigeria.
Research questions
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How has political corruption affected democratic governance in Nigeria?
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What is the impact of political corruption on democratic governance in Nigeria?
Significance of the study
This study aims to analyse the effects of corruption and insecurity on the Nigerian economy by utilising current empirical data. This addition will augment the existing body of contemporary academic literature on the interconnected problem of corruption and insecurity, thus broadening the scope of knowledge. Additionally, the findings of this study will function as a point of reference for future investigations.
Scope of the study
The scope of this study is restricted to the examination of corruption and insecurity specifically within the context of Nigeria. The scope of corruption in this research is confined to political corruption, whereas the focus of insecurity in this study is limited to large-scale insecurity. Furthermore, the scope of this analysis will be restricted to utilising data exclusively from the time period spanning 2019 to 2023.
Limitations of the study
The very nature of this study is one of the things that makes it a restriction. Because this is a qualitative study, it is necessary to rely on secondary data in order to arrive at conclusions concerning the aims of the study. The validity of qualitative research is limited in comparison to that of quantitative research, despite the fact that qualitative studies could have sufficient evidence to reach conclusions. Furthermore, the data that were utilised for this study were information that was readily available and pertinent to the subject matter from the years 2019 to 2023. Although these data have a contemporary value, a more extensive time range would have added more depth to the knowledge that the study seeks to impart. It should be noted, however, that the validity of the findings of this study is not affected by these limitations.
Operational definition of terms
Corruption: Corruption in the public sector typically refers to the abuse of authority by government officials for personal gain while carrying out their official responsibilities. This encompasses a wide range of acts, including fraud, bribery, embezzlement, favouritism, extortion, dishonesty, and unethical actions undertaken to achieve personal objectives.
Insecurity: This refers to the state's incapacity to uphold law and order within its population.