The Role of Libraries in Transparency and Combating Corruption in Nigeria

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume III, Issue IV, April 2019 | ISSN 2454–6186

The Role of Libraries in Transparency and Combating Corruption in Nigeria

Ukubeyinje, Sandra Ejiro¹, Eda Rita^2
1,2 Library Department, College of Education, P.M.B 1251 Warri, Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract: – Corruption is an all-pervasive phenomenon, whether as powerful business and political elites, or the petty corruption that acts as a kind of extra tax on the poor. Transparency in various forms offers potential for the combating of corruption through access to knowledge of regulations and laws, as well as revelations of wrong doing. This work will look at the Relevant aspects of transparency which include: open government and public scrutiny of official business; freedom of information laws; protection of public interest, disclosure (whistle blowing; enforcement of good practice in financial accounting and audit; protection of investigative journalism; and civil society campaigning. The implications for archives and records management (the sources of information on transactions that may include corrupt dealing) is obvious; the role of libraries in transparency and combating corruption will also been look at. This paper recommends few ways of how to combat corruption in Nigeria and in our society in general.

Keywords: library, Transparency, combating corruption

I. INTRODUCTION

Corruption is universal. Everyone has at some time been tempted to give or accept an inducement to act in a way that does not conform to ethics and law. Most people have given into that temptation on occasion, even if only very rarely and in small matters. Wherever, there are transactions that offer the opportunity for personal advantage or profit someone, will take advantage of that opportunity. Corruption can be such a part of life that citizens of a badly corrupt country may scarcely imagine that it can be reduced or eliminated. Nevertheless, condemnation of corruption is a universal theme of conversation and political debate worldwide. People long for an honest, predictable, corrupt-free world. (Clay, 2004). On the surface, a representative of a country may consider itself free from corruption against a particularly corrupt country (Doig, 2003). Actually, the subtext is clear in the statements: Britain fears the corrosive effects on trade and international stability of an excessively corrupt regime in countries like Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, etc,

Read More