THE IMPACT OF CORRUPTION ON GOOD GOVERNANCE AND DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA (1999-2013)
ABSTRACT
This study is an attempt to examine the extent corruption has retarded good governance and development in Nigeria from 1999 to 2011. If focuses on the determination of the cause(s) of corruption in Nigeria; the implications and recommendations of appropriate solutions to curb the menace. Discoveries were made such ; corruption as the cause of bad governance in Nigeria; breeds bad leadership; creates room for looting of public treasury by public office holders and enhances waste of government funds as a result of ghost workers. The key recommendations were also given such as; every public office holder should be made declare his or her assets before commencement of duties and prior to their leaving of offices and have to be verified to ascertain the truth of such claims, to remove immunity clauses that protect some leaders from prosecution and arrest while in office; monetary inducement during elections to solicit for unmerited votes should be treated as criminal offences and punishment should be given to people found guilty accordingly to serve as deterrent to others. The study also recommended that corruption can be minimized in Nigeria, with good governance and development ensured, if we can collectively imbibe and promote moral values, transparency; accountability and the rule of law.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
Majority of Nigerian believe that the seed of corruption which is now at its peak at all levels in the country, was effectively sown and nurtured to maturity during military ruler. This assertion is buttressed by the fact that many of the principal political figures in governance at the federal, state and even local levels are the same set of people who had held public offices during the different military eras and had amassed wealth illegally in the process, becoming very powerful (Aluko, 2006:8).
At present, our reputation for corruption and fraudulent practices has reached the Zenith, such that foreigners regard Nigerian, especially those wishing to do business with them as unfaithful and dishonest people. We have created such a bad image for ourselves, among ourselves and with potential foreign business partners, that genuine and honest people suffer (Aluko, 2006:9).
A prominent Nigerian, Adegbite (1991), once stated that the meaning of corruption varies, and depends on the context in which it is used. It could denote moral depravity and perversion of integrity through bribery or favour, or a conscious and well planned act by a person or group of persons to appropriate by unlawful means the wealth of another person or group of persons (Aluka 2006:1) to others, it is the act of turning power and authority, into ready cash. Another authority defines it as the diversion of resources from the betterment of the community to the gain of individuals at the expense of the community (Aluko, 2006:1).
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