The Nigerian State and the Dialectics of Anti-Corruption Crusade in Nigeria (1999-2017)
- December 21, 2018
- Posted by: RSIS
- Category: Political Science
International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume II, Issue XII, December 2018 | ISSN 2454–6186
The Nigerian State and the Dialectics of Anti-Corruption Crusade in Nigeria (1999-2017)
Emmanuel C. OJUKWU, Nzube A CHUKWUMA
Department of Political Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
Abstract: – Over the years Corruption has been identified by many as a major cankerworm bedevilling the Nigerian polity. This study interrogates the Nigerian state and its institutional attempts at curbing corruption over the years. Despite the creation of new institutionally specialized apparatus particularly the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) during the Obasanjo’s administration, there is little or no indication that corruption and corrupt practices are on the decline in Nigeria. In fact, there is an increased tempo of corrupt activities. Why is this case? To tackle this, the study hypothesizes, first, that the anti-corruption crusade in Nigeria is not new and largely predicted on the wealth-mine character of the state in Nigeria. Secondly, the predatory texture of subsisting anti-corruption crusade in Nigeria has a dysfunctional instrument and analyzed using the case study analytic technique. Among others, the study found that while the ‘brazen attempts’ and use of anti-corruption jingle continue, corrupt practices have not only persisted but has grown enormously in variety and magnitude. We also found out that within the period under study, the principal anti-graft agencies in Nigeria appear eminently ad-hoc as well as suffer a crisis of legitimacy and institutional instability. Taking cognizance of these, the study recommends a total overhaul of the entire anti-corruption architecture in Nigeria. Very importantly, two regular government agencies – the police and tax authorities – need to be purpose re-engineered for the capacity and capability to deal with anti-corruption matters in a more civil, systematic and functional manner.
Keywords: Anti-Graft Agencies, Corruption, Democracy, Overdeveloped State in Nigeria, Wealth-Mine.
