AN ASSESSMENT OF DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA'S FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION (2015-2019)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background Of The Study

The failure of previous and current Nigerian administrations to solidify the advancements made during the democratic era has been ascribed to corruption. To put it simply, corruption has permeated deeply into the Nigerian state apparatus, to the extent that it tainted virtually every aspect of national existence with the stench of corruption. 

Nigeria has long been acknowledged to be confronted with a substantial obstacle in the form of corruption, which undermines democratic governance, social progress, and economic development. In spite of extensive anti-corruption initiatives implemented by successive administrations, corruption continues to prevail across multiple sectors of Nigerian society, thereby hindering the principles of transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law. Mass media outlets have consistently exposed and exposed instances of widespread corruption in Nigeria, a circumstance that is not only abhorrent but also abhorrent to the highest regard of benevolent Nigerians. Nevertheless, the abhorrent practice endured and has progressively infiltrated virtually every aspect of our nation's existence (Okonkwo, 2021). Political, public, and private spheres have been virtually permeated and tainted with corruption.As previously mentioned, this type of progress prompted Preye and Weleayam (2021) to contend that Nigerians no longer consider honesty and integrity to be unworthy principles, given that so much can be obtained with so little or no effort. Preye and Weleayam's school of thought regarding the high level of incompetence and laziness among Nigerians provides additional evidence that corruption is not an exclusive domain of the leadership. The followership is similarly culpable for this transgression. 

The reestablishment of democratic governance in Nigeria in 1999 represented a noteworthy turning point in the country's endeavors to eradicate corruption. During the Fourth Republic, democratic institutions were established, including the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which were charged with investigating and prosecuting corrupt practices. Furthermore, legislative enhancements—including the enactment of the Whistleblower Protection Act and the Freedom of Information Act—were intended to augment governance's transparency and accountability. 

The years 2015 to 2019 represented a critical juncture in the democratic governance of Nigeria, as President Muhammadu Buhari was elected in 2015 on a platform that pledged to combat corruption and reinstate accountability. The administration of President Buhari initiated a number of anti-corruption measures, such as the prosecution of high-profile corruption cases, the establishment of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), and the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) system. Furthermore, a fundamental principle of democratic governance entails holding government institutions and officials accountable to the citizenry. Democratic systems, in principle, afford citizens the means to ensure that their leaders are held responsible by means of impartial and equitable elections, a self-governing judiciary, and openness regarding governmental activities. In practice, however, the efficacy of democratic governance in combating corruption is contingent on public participation, institutional capacity, and political will.

1.2 Statement Of The Problem 

Corruption continues to be an extensively prevalent and firmly established problem in Nigeria, presenting substantial obstacles to the nation's socio-economic progress. 

Since the reinstatement of the democratic system of government, numerous strategies and measures have been implemented to combat corruption and poor governance in the nation. The aforementioned strategies encompass public service reform, which entails monetization to minimize waste and overburdened personnel, as well as reform of public procurement; the creation of anti-corruption agencies, including the Independent Corruption and Other Practises Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC); and the ongoing efforts to sanitise the Nigeria National Petroleum Co-op (Adeshina, 2019). Notwithstanding the achievements of these establishments, the state of affairs continues to be intolerable due to the pervasiveness of corruption in all aspects of Nigerian society and national existence (Fatile, 2023). 

Similarly, despite the commitments and endeavors of successive administrations to combat corruption, it remains a significant obstacle to advancements and obstructs the pursuit of sustainable development. In particular, the 2015 inauguration of President Muhammadu Buhari's administration was accompanied by a steadfast commitment to combat corruption and reinstate democratic principles to governance. Nevertheless, the efficacy of anti-corruption initiatives executed throughout the presidency of President Buhari continues to be a topic of contention.

 In view of the above, this study seek evaluate democratic governance in Nigeria's fight against corruption (2015-2019).

1.3 Objective of the Study

The broad objective of this study is focused on evaluating democratic governance in Nigeria's fight against corruption (2015-2019). Specifically, study seeks to: 

Evaluate the causes of corruption in Nigeria between 2015 to 2019.

Identify the strategies deployed to fight corruption in Nigeria between 2015 to 2019.

Determine whether democratic governance played a significant role in the fight against corruption in Nigeria  between 2015 to 2019.

Evaluate the challenges encountered in the fight against corruption in Nigeria between 2015-2019.

1.4 Research Questions

The research will be guided by the following question constructed in line with th research objectives:

What were the causes of corruption in Nigeria between 2015 to 2019?

What were the strategies deployed to fight corruption in Nigeria between 2015 to 2019?

Did democratic governance contribute significantly in the fight against corruption in Nigeria  between 2015 to 2019?

What were the challenges encountered in the fight against corruption in Nigeria between 2015-2019?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

Ho: Democratic governance didn't contribute significantly in the fight against corruption in Nigeria  between 2015 to 2019.

Ha: Democratic governance contributed significantly in the fight against corruption in Nigeria  between 2015 to 2019.

1.6     Significance of the Study

This study is an academic masterpiece principally concerned with the critical assessment of the effects of democratic governance in the fight against corruption in Nigeria . The study will enlighten the public and concerned stakeholders on the level of corruption in Nigeria, the forms, causes and implications of corrupt practices in Nigeria. In addition, this study will proffer implementable solution to the menace of corruption in Nigeria.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The scope of this study borders on democratic governance in Nigeria's fight against corruption (2015-2019). Geographically, the respondents for this study will be obtained from the EFCC office, Abuja.

1.8 Limitation of the Study

Like in every human endeavour, the researcher encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection, which is why the researcher resorted to a limited choice of sample size. More so, the researcher simultaneously engaged in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.

Moreover, the case study method utilized in the study posed some challenges to the investigator including the possibility of biases and poor judgment of issues. However, the investigator relied on respect for the general principles of procedures, justice, fairness, objectivity in observation and recording, and weighing of evidence to overcome the challenges.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Democratic Governance: It involves promoting the sustainability of democracy which includes an enduring capacity for: the separation of powers and independence of the branches of government; the exercise of power in accordance with the rule of law; the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms; and, the transparency and accountability of a responsible civil service, functioning at both the national and local levels.

Corruption: For the purposes of this study, "corruption" is defined as the abuse of entrusted power for private gain, including acts of bribery, embezzlement, fraud, nepotism, favoritism, and other forms of illicit behavior that undermine the integrity of public institutions, distort market mechanisms, and hinder equitable development.

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