L
LequteMan
Guest
We speak against it, we lamblaste those we think are guilty, but, given the right circumstances, opportunity and condition, most Nigerians would look the other way and embrace corruption, in its numerous forms and appearances.
Corruption, the fraudulent conduct of those in power, which typically involves theft and bribery, has eaten deep into Nigeria's roots. Even Nigerians who aren’t even holding powerful positions in government are corrupt, and this view is shared globally.
Corruption is Nigeria, and Africa’s biggest challenge. It’s found in every sector of the society. Hence we are amazed when we meet someone who is upright and not corrupt.
Here are reasons why most Nigerians are corrupt
1. Poverty
Paucity of basic amenities of life like food, clothing and shelter, is one of the reason for the moral decadency of Nigerians.
A poor Nigerian man who hasn’t eaten for days or who doesn’t know what he will eat tomorrow, will likely look for short cuts to get these things. Furthermore, when there is poor remuneration and compensation in the system, it gives room for unsatisfied workers who get eventually swayed and look for illegal means to earn money.
2. Ineffective judicial system
The judicial arm of any country is seen or referred to as ‘’ the defender or last hope of the common man’’. In a country like Nigeria where corruption thrives and the judicial arm of the government cannot catch up with corrupt public officials, the populace has lost hope. To further make it worse, an average Nigerian man can be tried in court for stealing a bunch of plantain, while a public official that embezzles millions or billions of naira gets away with it.
3. Greed
Political positions are often tagged as been associated with power and wealth due to the huge amount of funds allocated to public office holders. When the desire for accumulation of wealth gets extreme, then corruption is inevitable. The desire to continue holding the political position is high and politicians would often result to do anything possible to maintain that position, which includes engaging in corrupt practices. As Lord Acton stated, ‘’power corrupts, but absolute power corrupts absolutely’’.
4. Acceptance of corruption by the populace
Since majority of Nigerians have lost hope in the country’s judicial system, corruption is now been seen as a way of life. It’s become a culture. Criminals are celebrated and given public titles and awards. Children who are known to be innocent have now gone morally bankrupt. According to a friend, "the unborn Nigerian is corrupt”.
5. The Consequences sometimes are dire
It's sad but the consequences of shunning corruption in Nigeria are sometimes dire. Ever rejected giving a policeman his daily "egunje"? Ever thought going about winning a government contract without "settling" the chairman? Most people are forced to engage in corrupt activities just because the consequences of not doing so could be harm them.
Corruption, the fraudulent conduct of those in power, which typically involves theft and bribery, has eaten deep into Nigeria's roots. Even Nigerians who aren’t even holding powerful positions in government are corrupt, and this view is shared globally.
Corruption is Nigeria, and Africa’s biggest challenge. It’s found in every sector of the society. Hence we are amazed when we meet someone who is upright and not corrupt.
Here are reasons why most Nigerians are corrupt
1. Poverty
Paucity of basic amenities of life like food, clothing and shelter, is one of the reason for the moral decadency of Nigerians.
A poor Nigerian man who hasn’t eaten for days or who doesn’t know what he will eat tomorrow, will likely look for short cuts to get these things. Furthermore, when there is poor remuneration and compensation in the system, it gives room for unsatisfied workers who get eventually swayed and look for illegal means to earn money.
2. Ineffective judicial system
The judicial arm of any country is seen or referred to as ‘’ the defender or last hope of the common man’’. In a country like Nigeria where corruption thrives and the judicial arm of the government cannot catch up with corrupt public officials, the populace has lost hope. To further make it worse, an average Nigerian man can be tried in court for stealing a bunch of plantain, while a public official that embezzles millions or billions of naira gets away with it.
3. Greed
Political positions are often tagged as been associated with power and wealth due to the huge amount of funds allocated to public office holders. When the desire for accumulation of wealth gets extreme, then corruption is inevitable. The desire to continue holding the political position is high and politicians would often result to do anything possible to maintain that position, which includes engaging in corrupt practices. As Lord Acton stated, ‘’power corrupts, but absolute power corrupts absolutely’’.
4. Acceptance of corruption by the populace
Since majority of Nigerians have lost hope in the country’s judicial system, corruption is now been seen as a way of life. It’s become a culture. Criminals are celebrated and given public titles and awards. Children who are known to be innocent have now gone morally bankrupt. According to a friend, "the unborn Nigerian is corrupt”.
5. The Consequences sometimes are dire
It's sad but the consequences of shunning corruption in Nigeria are sometimes dire. Ever rejected giving a policeman his daily "egunje"? Ever thought going about winning a government contract without "settling" the chairman? Most people are forced to engage in corrupt activities just because the consequences of not doing so could be harm them.
