Why is corruption so very resilient in Nigeria? (3)

To change a people’s value system, we must build values that are based on principles and develop a humane, responsive and merit-based society where people are judged, not by “the colour of their skin” but by “the content of their character”. Such principles include fairness out of which our whole concept of equity and justice is developed; integrity and honesty, which create the foundation of trust so essential to cooperation and long-term personal and inter-personal growth; human dignity, which recognizes that “all men are created equal and endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”; and service, or the idea of making a contribution and adding value. Such principles should also include quality and excellence; potential, reflecting the idea that we are embryonic and can grow and develop and release more and more potential, develop more and more talents; and growth, patience, nurturance and encouragement (Covey, 1989).

The need is to promote a merit system in which appointments, promotions and status enhancements are based on the qualifications or merit of the individuals. Unless a nation reverts to such a system, it shall never be able to reconstruct the values upon which a healthy social fabric is based.

Moreover, there is the need to establish a National Integrity System. An integrity system embodies a comprehensive view of reform, addressing corruption in the public sector through government processes, leadership codes, organization change, civil society participation, reformed democratic process, private sector interest and media attention (Stapenhurst & Langseth, 1997). Such a system makes corruption a high-risk and low-return undertaking and calls for concerted action in several directions: A clear definition of limits of power for those in leadership positions; A strong commitment process. It is not enough to have an ICPC or EFCC law and enforcement agencies, but take proactive measures to protect the public decision-making process. This calls for a conscious effort to build a system that minimizes risk of corruption; Strengthening the watchdog agencies – EFCC, ICPC, Code of Conduct Bureau, Public Procurement Office, etc. The traditional functions of the Auditor-General and Public Accounts Committee must also be strengthened. An office of a National Ombudsman may need to be created to ensure that decisions, actions or omissions, and processes that run contrary to law, rules and regulations, are curbed by strong judicial-executive action. It is the combination of the judicial and executive powers in a body that will really serve to deter corruption; Encourage whistle-blowing through legislation and deliberate government policy. Individuals that come forward with information should be protected, rewarded and appreciated.

Finally, effective combating of fraud requires increased emphasis on ICT resources to drive the business of governance. The ICT revolution must impact on the public service delivery efforts in a number of ways that will minimize occasion for corrupt practices. For one, personal contacts will be reduced to a minimum. Second, the speed with which transactions are executed will cramp the style of those who capitalize on programme tardiness to work havoc on the system. Third, the general availability of information to all persons at the same time minimizes the prospect of monopoly power through hoarding of information. True enough, ICT has its inherent problems of fraud and corruption, but it can indeed be a tool in reducing the incidence of corruption in the system.

Traditional organizations have a pyramidal structure, with a narrow apex, and a broad all-inclusive base. The trend in the 21st century is towards a deliberate strategic design of organizations that look like a web – flat, intricately woven form, that links partners, employees, external contractors, suppliers and customers in various collaborations. This paradigm shift is a feature of strategy execution and success in today’s world.

Conclusion

In an earlier paper, this writer dared to put forward five theses on corruption in Nigeria. It is in effect one man’s thoughts on why corruption is so resilient, and how the cankerworm can be reared in: Corruption has an inherent capacity within its operational framework that sustains it and gives it life in perpetuity; Political accountability and democratic transformation hold the key to victory in the fight against corruption in Nigeria; Unless the present generation of practitioners in Nigeria’s public life give way to fresh blood, there is no hope in the battle to rout corruption; The single most important index in the spread of corruption in Nigeria is the failure of the deterrent factor; Until Nigerians young and old, big and small, sufficiently detest corruption to do something radical and drastic about it, the problem will not go away from the land.

More than half-a-century ago, the birth of Nigeria as an independent nation was an epochal milestone in the long quest for black emancipation, freedom and restoration of human dignity. Armed with a glut of human and natural resources and quite an abundance of international goodwill, Nigeria sat atop a host of promising and emerging nations from the developing countries, who had shed the toga of colonial inferiority in search of relevance in the comity of nations. The people’s confidence was infectious, their footsteps had a spring to them with a hint of suppressed pride, the expectations were full of promise, and the nation’s gaze was fixed inexorably on the horizon. Today, five and a half short decades down the line, the cookies seem to have crumbled, the dreams have turned into a nightmare, and all protestations to greatness sound hollow. The social systems are fraught with inequity, the economic policies a sham, the nation’s misery index is on a persistent rise, and the human development index plummets daily. Nigeria has proved the point that it takes more than mere potentials to transit from pedestrianism to true greatness.

The lessons from Nigeria are myriad. Radical solution for systemic fraud demands that the individual be changed, the system be changed, and the foundation of society and community life be changed. Besides, men who would prosecute the war against fraud must be moral purists – they must not be men tainted with the stigma of fraud and corruption. Furthermore, unless the present set of leaders gives way to some breath of fresh air, there will be no future for the nation. And lastly, political accountability and democratic transformation hold the key to victory in the fight against corruption. Fraud has become a malignant tumour on the nation’s torso, and only radical surgery can keep the patient alive. (Concluded)

Benjamin C. Osisioma