Corruption in Nigeria is the highly infectious social disease which has spread its roots to the mind of the bad citizens. Heading corruption has not only become a pervasive aspect on Nigerian politics but also has become increasingly important factor in the economy and society.
Corruption is thus defined as a form of dishonest or unethical conduct by a person entrusted with a position of authority, often to acquire personal benefit. I am of the opinion that corruption has not only become a trend in the society, it has evolved into a way of life in some Nigerians . I asked my fourteen year old brother what he would do when he becomes the president of Nigeria , I was startled when he told me that he would be an exceptional leader surmounted with much love for Nigerians alongside embezzlement of infinitesimal funds for the country. Apparently corruption needs to be re- oriented from the abyss. If children are of this disposition at this time, where do we place our hopes of a better Nigeria , the belief of corruption being a normal thing should be re-addressed . below are the few of the faces of corruption in Nigeria .
Corruption in business: Engaging in corrupt practices creates a very unfavourable business environment by encouraging unfair advantage and anti- competitive practices. As well as allowing organised crime to flourish. This corrupt practices are usually lucid via bribes. The government are not to be blamed on this aspect .
In other words corruption needs to be tackled from all institutions. Facts succumbed that bribery, corruption and facilitation payments were the most hackneyed reported issues recorded by the institute of Business Ethics Media Monitoring as at 2013. Corruption in business could be eradicated by giving staff the full support they solicit. Economics corroborated that the needs of human are insatiable. Difficult decision for employees often arise in everyday situations. When travelling , when offering or accepting gifts and hospitality or when negotiating with customers and suppliers. Anyone can be offered a bribe being lucid about what can and can’t be accepted as good business practice and reduces the inclination of corruption.
Corruption in the judiciary: The corrupt activities that happens in the judiciary can’t be over emphasised. Corruption is undermining justice in many parts of Nigeria , denying victims the basic human right to a fair and impartial trial. The judiciary sector in Nigeria is amongst the prominent reasons why Nigeria is as it is today. The appropriate proceedings are sometimes over looked. The Nigerian 1999 constitution corroborated in section 36 sub section (4) “ whenever any person is charged with a criminal offence , he shall unless the charge withdrawn be entitled to a FAIR HEARING in public within a reasonable time by a court or a tribunal” on the contrary when judges take bribes to rule to favour the prosecutor, that explains that the constitution has been disobeyed technically. It is difficult to overstate the negative impact of corruption in the judiciary. It erodes the ability of the international community to tackle translational crime and terrorism. However, it diminishes trade, economic growth and most importantly it denies citizens impartial settlement of disputes with neighbours or the authorities. To subvert corruption in the judiciary, credible judges should be in place.
Corruption in police: This is the abuse of police authority for personal gain. Corruption may involve profit or another material benefit gained illegally as a consequence of the police officers. Typical corrupt practices include bribery , extortion , receiving or protecting stolen items. Ironically , some of the officers are the ones engaging in crimes. Like president Buhari said “ if Nigeria do not kill corruption would kill Nigeria” due to the present predicament in the Nigerian Police Force , a few police officers unlawfully detain citizens thus extorting money in the name of bail. The constitution made clear in section 36 sub section (8) “ no person shall be held guilty of a criminal offence on account of any act or omission that did not at the time it took place , constitute such an offence and no penalty shall be imposed for any criminal offence heavier than the penalty in force at the time offence was committed” to reduce this act, there should be a reasonable pay to the police officers in terms of their monthly stipend. I must appreciate the hard work of the police, as we all know “ uneasy lies the head who wears the crown” .
Corruption in government: The kingpin of corruption is the corruption in government. When the British prime minister David Cameron was overheard calling Nigeria and Afghanistan “ fantastically corrupt” there is an atom of truth in that albeit the present administration is fighting against it. Over the last couple of years, Nigeria being Africa’s largest nation gained unprecedented global attention on account of its unenviable record not withstanding the fact that the former president OlusegunObasanjo ironically a one time president of Transparency International’s board of directors that had at the inception of his administration in 1999, initiated a state of the art of anti-corruption law paving way for the establishment of an independent commission with powers to fight corruption. However corruption remain wide spread today, thus affecting virtually all public institutions despite the incumbent regime’s well publicised to fight it. For instance the $6 billion fuel subsidy scam , police pension fraud, Stella Odua car purchase scandal, the $9 billion loot recovered, NNPC missing $20 billion , $15 million in private jet arm scandal, crude oil theft, still to watch the Dasuki scandal. The amount represents financial fraud perpetrated by state officials ranging from outright embezzlement , payment for jobs not done , over invoicing, double debiting, inflating of contract to release funds without the consent of the approving authority.
There were laws that dealt with corrupt practices in the country , a few to mention are
*The code of conduct Bureau and tribunal act
*The penal code ( applicable to northern states)
*The criminal code( applicable to southern states)
*Failed banks ( recovery of debts and financial malpractices in banks
*Recovery of public property( special military tribunal act)
Some of these acts should be revisited with a view to effecting the changes that will empower ICPC to probe cases of corruption irrespective of date of offence, however monitor potential sources and lastly receive sufficient independent finding to lessen its dependence on the whims and caprices of the executive and legislature.
Corruption is a cankerworm that has eaten deep into the fabric of Nigeria. Discussed above are faces of corruption, consequences, and possible solutions.
By MOSES AIYENURO