Menace Of Corruption Research Articles

Political apathy and the imperative of media education in Nigeria

The fact that the workability of any political process is largely dependent on the active participation of the masses remains undisputable. Also, the active participation of the masses in any political process is largely dependent on the level of awareness and effective mobilization. Research evidence and critical observations have all pointed to the fact that lack of awareness and effective mobilization of the masses for any political process engender and sustain apathy which ultimately frustrates such political agenda. The paper tried to explore the situation of political apathy in Nigeria and how such apathy could be mitigated by the media. Through intensive review of relevant documents, it was argued that led to critical discourse on the subject of focus of the paper, it was found that lack of education/sanitation of the masses, lack of effective mobilization, the menace of corruption, political violence and consistent military intrusion in governance have fundamentally engendered political apathy in Nigeria. It was also found that the media has the capacity to reduce or ultimately eradicate political apathy by engaging in aggressive sensitization and education of the masses, mobilization of the masses, fighting corruption, correcting political misconceptions and ensuring two-way-communication. Accordingly, the paper advanced a roadmap for the effective utilization of the media not only to change the status quo, but to position Nigeria on the path of political progress as an emerging democracy in Africa.

The CONCEPT OF CORRUPTION: A THEORETICAL EXPOSITION

This paper examines the theories and conceptual definitions of corruption. It explores the manifestation of corruption in both developed and developing countries. Methodologically, the paper adopted a qualitative research technique of data collection through the content analysis of empirical studies conducted by classical and contemporary scholars. Some of the theoretical thrusts in the analysis of corruption in this work are the Idealist, Functionalist theories and Political economy approach. After thorough and careful assessment of the scholarly views on corruption, the paper discovered that the menace of corruption also manifest in developed countries but it is more acute in developing countries of the world
 Keywords: Corruption, theory, developed countries, developing countries 

Mirroring Corruption Epidemic in Nigeria via the Biblical Lens: The Role of the Church

Undeniably, the menace of corruption is perceived to have eaten deep into several phases of nations of the world; meanwhile, Nigeria is not an exception. The scope of this study is channeled basically towards the Nigerian context. The reality and actuality of corruption in Nigeria nation suggests that Nigeria still retains its popular known notch as the ‘giant of Africa’, being shortchanged for ‘giant of corruption’. Although, it can be argued that Nigeria is not the most corrupt country in Africa; its uniqueness being part of the corrupt countries is obviously glaring. It is not in any way an overstatement to say that corruption is the middle-name of Nigeria itself; with the fact that there seems to be no dailies in Nigeria media without a trending issue on corruption. With several religions in Nigeria (Islam, Christianity, African Religion); it is logical to ask why do corruption still prevails? Although ‘corruption’ is not a system of belief, it persists as a trending entity with many devotees, followers and disciples, having ingrained their mindset that the nation cannot function properly without corruption. The observed menace spurred the interest of this study, with specific attention to the Christian perspective. Christianity is one of the prevailing religious movements in Nigeria; therefore, the sphere of this research is in the Christian direction; how the Church can step in to help the messy situation. The temple of God (which is the Church) must be clean to restore the sanctity of the society. Observably, several Christians and Church leaders are with silence-syndrome approach and standing aloof mechanism to eradicate corruption; but worse is the case in the country. The fact that abstinence from secular activities (while trying to uphold Christian values as against corruption) is of no good effect is glaring; therefore, this research posits that the Church must exhaust all her platforms in speaking against corruption with Church leaders and Christians as worthy ambassadors of the Church.

Corruption and the leadership question in Nwabueze’s A Parliament of Vultures and Ogbeche’s Harvest of Corruption

Corruption is one of the numerous problems that besieged most African nations immediately after their independence and is still eating deep into their systems. In Nigeria, the economic, socio-political and religious sectors are in disarray. Corruption is increasing and is at the edge of turning into a norm. It has reached the extent of undermining development and economic prosperity that more than 75% of the people are living in abject poverty. Politicians devoid of integrity, patriotism and commitment lead but blow the whistle on their efforts in the fight against corruption. Many writers have expressed the menace of corruption in their works. This paper explores playwrights’ critical responses to the fight against corruption in Nigeria and aims at providing solutions by highlighting the severe punishments to be meted on citizens guilty of corruption. It also aims at unfolding qualities expected of the citizens for a meaningful fight of corruption.

Grappling with Corruption in Democratic Nigeria

Nigeria, especially since its return to democratic governance in 1999, has been inherently laden and plagued with the malady known as corruption. Corruption remains the greatest undoing and bane of the nation’s socio-economic and political development as well as democratic consolidation. Evidently, the menace of corruption in a democratic ambience as Nigeria corrodes public trust in the system, magnifies unemployment and intensifies underdevelopment in all sectors of the economy. It is akin to a cancerous disease that spreads very rapidly through the host, destroys cells, weakens the body and in the process of time kills its victim. Although it pervades every strata of the society, this study is an exploration of the concept and context of political corruption with regards to political elites who hold positions of authority and in control of the society’s common wealth as exemplified in the play, Dawn of Awareness by Felix Akinsipe. This paper argues that sustainable development and political stability in Nigeria will remain a mirage for as long as political corruption continue to hold sway and remain unimpeded by not curbing the impunity with which political office holders indulge in corrupt practices. The paper recommends that stringent punitive measures must be put in place as well as value re-orientation for all public officers holding leadership positions.

A Critical Assessment of the Enforcement Regime for Combatting Money Laundering in Nigeria

The menace of corruption in public sector governance has remained an intractable challenge in most African countries. Since the reintroduction of civilian democracy in 1999 in Nigeria, the state has strived to entrench openness and transparency, which are indispensable to the attainment of rapid socio-economic development. The government has pursued the policy of eliminating corruption in the public and private sectors through the enactment or review of statutes aimed at the prevention of financial crimes, especially money laundering. This article assesses the effectiveness of the statutory instruments in realising the desired objectives of curbing money laundering and institutionalising transparency in Nigeria.

The Implication of Corruption on Economic Progress of Nigeria

The issue of corruption is a universal challenge and has denied many emerging economies good business opportunities. This study makes use of the position of Nigeria in the country corruption ranking captured by Transparency International and the rate of corruption prevailing in the country to assess the degree of influence corruption has on economic growth of the country. The study employs secondary form of data obtained from World Bank Development Indicators and Transparency International which cover a period from 2008 to 2018. The regression result indicates that the country corruption ranking has a significant negative influence on economic growth in Nigeria while the rate of corruption prevailing in the country has a significant positive impact on economic growth in the country. The two results are significant and so the study concludes that the image of the country has been tarnished globally due to the high level of corruption in Nigeria and as internationally perceived. As a result, important investment opportunities elude the country even though the economy is growing with the high rate of corruption prevailing in the country. The study thus, recommends among others that the religious leaders and non-governmental organizations should assist in curbing the menace of corruption by inculcating moral values in the young generation who should grow up to say no to corruption and its attractions. This will go a long way to salvage the future of this great nation.

Compliance with transparency provisions in the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663)

This study examines the extent to which the Colleges of Education (COEs) in Ghana comply with one of the key provisions; transparency in the Public Procurement Act 663 of Ghana. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 53 tender committee members in seven COEs in Ashanti Region, Ghana. Respondents were interviewed using tools for assessing transparency which were spelt out in five thematic areas. Data obtained was analysed through percentages, mean scores and relative importance indices. Findings show that the average percentage level of compliance with the transparency provisions in Act 663 among the COEs is 77.4%, indicating that the COEs complied with the transparency provisions in the Act 663. Findings from this study should encourage people in managerial positions in all sectors where procurement is carried out within Ghana to ensure that they comply with the transparency provisions in the act to help fight the menace of corruption.

Globalization and the Question of African Identity

A prominent feature of the contemporary society in the last couple of decades is the phenomenon of globalization. While globalization has brought immense benefits to Africa on the one hand, Africa's entrance into and participation in the global scene has also precipitated a crisis of confusion and identity for Africa–a situation which is analogous to the effect of her encounter with colonialism, so that unless the dialectic of identity and difference that inevitably arises from this situation is constructively managed, it will be difficult for Africa to make the best of the opportunities inherent in globalization. Given that no one can make the best of any opportunity for interaction with others unless one is clear about one's identity and priorities, a major challenge Africa has to address in the context of globalization is the need to assume personal responsibility in defining her priorities and interests such as to allow these to inform her engagement with the various participants in the global world. More often than not, the Achilles heel of Africa is lack of clear focus in respect of her priorities as well as failure to allow her interests to drive her engagement with other participants in the global system. To reverse the situation of dependency which this mode of operation fosters, we argue that, Africa not only needs to relocate her locus of control internally and put in place a strong regime of internal democracy based on rule of law to tackle the menace of corruption and mismanagement that have undermined development initiatives since independence, but more importantly Africa needs to be allowed to assert itself by ensuring certain equity, justice and balance in the inner workings of the International System so that the environment is enabling and not paralyzing as far as the operation of various stakeholders within the system is concerned especially African countries.

EXPLORING SHARIAH MEASURES FOR CURBING JUDICIAL CORRUPTION IN NORTHERN NIGERIA

Corruption is imbedded in every facet of the Nigeria polity. The judiciary is not exempted from this phenomenon. Corruption is so well established in the country that all efforts towards fighting corruption seem unworkable. The Nigerian government is constitutionally organized as three branches: the Legislature, Executive and the Judiciary, all under the doctrine of separation of powers. These three arms of government are expected to work under a symbiotic relationship in addressing corruption. However, the third body, which is saddled with the responsibility of interpreting the laws and determining dispute, is also affected by the menace of corruption. Thus, this study attempts to explore the Islamic perspectives on judicial corruption and its relevance to the Nigerian situation. We found that corruption within the judicial system undermined development and fighting against it under the conventional laws is unworkable. Thus, attempts should be made to employ Islamic principles to remedy this issue, especially when the Constitution recognizes Islamic Law as an applicable and alternative legal system in Nigeria.

EXPLORING SHARIAH MEASURES FOR CURBING JUDICIAL CORRUPTION IN NORTHERN NIGERIA

Corruption is imbedded in every facet of the Nigeria polity. The judiciary is not exempted from this phenomenon. Corruption is so well established in the country that all efforts towards fighting corruption seem unworkable. The Nigerian government is constitutionally organized as three branches: the Legislature, Executive and the Judiciary, all under the doctrine of separation of powers. These three arms of government are expected to work under a symbiotic relationship in addressing corruption. However, the third body, which is saddled with the responsibility of interpreting the laws and determining dispute, is also affected by the menace of corruption. Thus, this study attempts to explore the Islamic perspectives on judicial corruption and its relevance to the Nigerian situation. We found that corruption within the judicial system undermined development and fighting against it under the conventional laws is unworkable. Thus, attempts should be made to employ Islamic principles to remedy this issue, especially when the Constitution recognizes Islamic Law as an applicable and alternative legal system in Nigeria.

Enhancing the Role of Civil Society Organizations in the Fight against Corruption in Nigeria

Abstract: To ensure the attainment of good governance and sustainable development, corruption and its scourge must be combated. In Nigeria, the state has had series of anti-corruption measures by successive administrations in its 55 years of existence as an independent entity. While such measures appeared to have been well packaged, however, absence of political will and inability of the state to regard civil society organizations as important partner in the anti corruption has retarded the country’s ability to get rid of the menace of corruption, hence the inability of Nigerian state to provide effective and efficient services to its teeming populace. Being a partner in the development process of modern state, and in order to effectively enhance their roles in the fight against corruption, the paper proper ways upon which civil society groups can organize themselves and work with the state to get rid of corruption in the country.Keywords: Civil Society, Corruption, Democracy, Democratization, State

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and Corruption Management in Nigeria: A Perceptual Assessment of its Legal Framework

The menace of corruption and the fight against it the world wide has been a major preoccupation amongst pundits and administrators, especially amongst the third world countries. The existence of Anticorruption Agencies virtually in all countries of the world justifies this assertion. While some of these agencies in their countries of operations succeed others are still grabbling with the dynamics and complexities of the scourge thus looking for a durable methodology to curtail it spread. This paper assessed the perception of Nigerian on the strength of the EFCC against its functional responsibilities to determine the adequacy and appropriateness of the powers. The research is a survey type that explored both primary and secondary sources. The primary data were gathered through administration of questionnaire with a content analysis for the secondary data. Relying on Structural Functional theory, the study reveals among other things that, EFCC lacks adequate prosecutorial powers; it also cannot effectively ensure and monitor compliance to the limit of foreign currency transfer ($10000) and the local cash transaction limit; the court system in Nigeria has also frustrated the efforts of the commission in addition to the unruly behavior of some senior legal counsels who often connive with some judges to subvert justice. The paper therefore submits that the EFCC operate within unfavorable legal space that hinders to a large extent its operational success. It is therefore recommended inter alia: a specialized and separate court with specialized judges to handle financial crimes, streamlining the areas of responsibilities to just financial crimes for the EFCC.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and Corruption Management in Nigeria: a Perceptual Assessment of its Legal Framework

The menace of corruption and the fight against it the world wide has been a major preoccupation amongst pundits and administrators, especially amongst the third world countries. The existence of Anticorruption Agencies virtually in all countries of the world justifies this assertion. While some of these agencies in their countries of operations succeed others are still grabbling with the dynamics and complexities of the scourge thus looking for a durable methodology to curtail it spread. This paper assessed the perception of Nigerian on the strength of the EFCC against its functional responsibilities to determine the adequacy and appropriateness of the powers. The research is a survey type that explored both primary and secondary sources. The primary data were gathered through administration of questionnaire with a content analysis for the secondary data. Relying on Structural Functional theory, the study reveals among other things that, EFCC lacks adequate prosecutorial powers; it also cannot effectively ensure and monitor compliance to the limit of foreign currency transfer ($10000) and the local cash transaction limit; the court system in Nigeria has also frustrated the efforts of the commission in addition to the unruly behavior of some senior legal counsels who often connive with some judges to subvert justice. The paper therefore submits that the EFCC operate within unfavorable legal space that hinders to a large extent its operational success. It is therefore recommended inter alia: a specialized and separate court with specialized judges to handle financial crimes, streamlining the areas of responsibilities to just financial crimes for the EFCC.

The Role of Forensic Investigation Professionals in the Prevention of Fraud and Corruption in Developing Countries.

Fraud and corruption in developing countries is regarded as a way of life, norm in public service or a culture that cannot be wish away. Auditors concentrate of error detection and regards fraud and corruption as a secondary assignment in a given engagement. The primary role of Forensic Investigation Professionals (FIPs) or forensic accountants is to examine incidence of fraud in financial records. Auditors are fact witness, whereas Forensic investigation professionals or forensic accountants are expert witness not fact witness, they can testify in courts as expert witnesses for either the prosecution or the defense. This study evaluates the role of forensic investigation professionals in curbing the menace of fraud and corruption practice in developing countries using exploratory research design. Finding in the study point to the fact that forensic investigation professional plays a complimentary role to the government anti-fraud and anti-corruption agencies in strategies and policies to curb menace of corruption in the system. Also, finding shows that Forensic Investigation Professionals (FIPs) have significant role in curbing the menace of fraud and corruption in developing countries.

The role of the judiciary in combating corruption: aiding and inhibiting factors in Nigeria

Based on empirical facts and research in socio-economic fields, it is consensually agreed among scholars that corruption is one of the greatest hindrances to the development of any country. As part of the efforts to combat the menace of corruption, laws and institutions have been put in place. Consequently, judges, by virtue of their position in society, have an important role to play to ensure the effectiveness of those laws and institutions. However, the Nigerian judiciary has failed to live up to its responsibility in its role of combating corruption in the country and is even itself accused of corruption. This article discusses the factors that are necessary to assist in building an effective, vibrant and corruption-free judiciary. Salient factors that hinder the judiciary in the performance of its role to combat corruption are highlighted. The article finally suggests the need to reform Nigeria’s judicial sector and to set in motion all the machinery necessary for the purpose of creating a formidable judiciary in the country.

Coverage of Corruption News by Major Newspapers in Nigeria

This research arises from the need that conscious effort and attention is needed to curb the negative effects of corruption on socio-economic transformation of the nation and that exploiting the media to expose corrupt practices in sectors of the nation’s economy is the best way in shaping public opinions on the menace of corruption. This study used content analysis to determine the Newspaper coverage of corruption news in the major sectors of the Nigeria economy over a period of 5 years (2006 - 2010). A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select three newspapers namely Tribune, The Nation and Guardian; and a total of nine hundred and thirteen (913) corruption articles generated from the 540 issues were analysed in this study. Data were collected on frequency of coverage, categories of items/stories, prominence, space allotment and depth of treatment of articles on corruption. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages and means was used to summarise the data collected. Findings revealed that frequency of coverage of corruption articles in year 2010 carries the highest percentage of 23.7% while the Nigerian Tribune ranked first on the coverage of corruption articles with a total number of 381 (41.7%) articles. Overall, prominence was given to inside page articles (87.4%) in all the three newspapers, however, the Guardian newspaper, reported the highest in the front page having 41.7%. Majority (76.7%) of the corruption articles fell in the news category with the Nigerian Tribune having 42.4%. More than half (56.8%) of space allotted to corruption articles is one-quarter page while the Nigeria Tribune recorded highest (61.4%) space allotment of full page. The politics/governance sector ranked first with a total of 522 news items accounting for 57.2% of the whole corruption stories while agriculture, transport and energy sectors occupied the lower rung of the ladder. Also, politics/governance sector had the highest level of prominence with score of 654. Study concluded that Politics/Governance, Service oriented (i.e. telecommunications and banks), and sports sectors are perceived to be more corrupt sectors in Nigeria. Keywords: Corruption news, newspapers, coverage, Nigerian sectors.

Governance and Corruption in Nigeria: A Philo-Psychological Management Analysis

The menace of corruption in Nigeria is very pervasive with global implications. So pervasive is corruption in Nigeria that almost every aspect of national life is affected one way or the other. The present magnitude of corruption in Nigeria is traceable to the many years of military rule where due process was not observed in public procurement and contract bidding. Both the private and public sectors of the country are affected by various forms of corruption. As a consequence, the impact of governance in the country is impeded and if a check is not put in place, Nigeria will be left behind in the development agenda of world bodies. It is a trite fact that corruption in one place is connected to others, and enabled by systems of weak regulations and poor oversight. Human societies have been known to be bedeviled by corruption but some have been able to combat this menace by putting statutes in place to criminalize corruption and ensuring that enforcement mechanisms are enabled to act. This paper, therefore explores public and private sector governance in Nigeria with a view to exposing the various forms of corruption in the country. The paper took the position that corruption plays a dominant role in the development deficit in the country and examined the philosophical and psychological reasons for corruption. The paper also x-rayed the devastating effects of corruption which includes underdevelopment, negative image of the country, and impact on the global market, the paper concludes by questioning the existing anti-corruption strategies in the country and proposed the way they can be made to work. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n14p141

The Use of the Holy Bible, the Holy Qu’Ran, Juju and Others for Oath of Office: To Fight Corruption in Nigeria

The rate and magnitude of corruption (official and non-official) in Nigeria now appear endemic. Many solutions have been proffered and put in place. None appear to have shown any sign of a remedy. Not minding that all the government officials entrusted with the common-weal of our people take oath of office, corruption is still a brooding omini presence in Nigeria.On one occasion, a Nigerian took an Oath before a Juju when Oba Market was burnt down. In his oath he denied the allegation that he burnt the market. There and then, he charged the person(s) that set fire or looted the market to show up and return their loots. The arsonists and looters brought their loots in broad day light because Juju (Iyalala) was involved.Based on the preceding paragraph, this article will expound the need and the reason why all public officials in Nigeria should swear all oaths ie the Bible, the Qu’ran, juju etc brought to them for oath before their assumption of office. No one should lead or be entrusted with the resources of our people without believing in all that the people believe in, because 'All anomalies are inadequate.' Jesus could never say 'fellow sinner' because He had no sin. Public officers should not use or manage the resources of the people they do not share the same faith with; they used their votes to win election because all believe in ONE GOD. Experience has shown that some politicians, whether Christians, Muslims or adherents of other religions go for and use charms before, during and after elections. So like General Hamurabi 'where there is no way, the people should create way'. Criticism may be either positive or negative; I accept both for writing this article. The essence of this work is therefore a timely refocus of public and scholarly attention on Oath of office and allegiance to curb the menace of corruption in Nigeria.

The effects of corruption on the Nigerian economy

The study aims at examining closely the effects of corruption on Nigerian economy. This is informed by the general belief that the menace of corruption has disastrous consequences not only on the economy but on all sectors of human endeavor. A number of related works were intensively reviewed and both the secondary data and primary data from secondary source were used It was however discovered that corruption has significant effects on the Nigerian economy. In effect, corruption slows growth, leads to inefficient investments in public projects, and slows down foreign investments. Hence, it was recommended that government should ensure that the civil servants are honest and trustworthy and virtues should be inculcated in people. Any discovered case of corruption should be exposed without minding the position of the culprit and be brought to book. This will serve as deterrent to others. Importantly, government should provide adequate pay package for public servant and their remuneration should be competitive with that of the private sector.