The Political Economy of Corruption and Leadership in Nigeria

Abstract

One of the most global concerns of the world in the 21 st century is corruption, which from all indices affects other aspects of life. However the level of participation differs from one country to another. In Nigeria, the level of perpetration with respect to leaders and policy makers, have become alarming. Hence the paper x-rayed the experience of Nigeria in the literature, exposing poor developmental performances, civil, ethnic and religious unrest, and the outright collapse of other viable sectors of the economy. This paper adopted the Political Economy approach as its theoretical framework to explain how endemic the issue has become within the Nigerian polity. It mirrored the involvement of leaders at the political level whether military or civilian, indicating: misappropriation, stealing, nepotism, favoritism, mediocrity, opportunism, god-fatherism as the fallout of the actions of these corrupt leaders. The work is qualitative in nature. The work concluded that corruption is not found within the leadership circle alone, but has eaten deep into the fabrics of the society, militating against development and good governance. The paper therefore recommended that the only way the circle of corruption can be broken is when society collectively reject and punish offenders with heavy sanctions such as total refund of the amount involved and outright banning of such persons from holding key societal positions. It also recommended that special programs aimed at teaching students the effects of corruption, and why it should be exterminated from our polity be structured as part of academic curriculum at all levels.

Nigerian Elite and the Culture of Primitive Accumulation

“…Since the first military takeover on 15th January, 1966, the frequently adduced excuse for incursion in politics is 'neophytically' anchored on the pretense of 'correcting the massive corruption of the previous' but the reality proves otherwise as the actions of the military betray its declared intentions. In actual sense, the lands and seeds for and of corruption are cultivated and propagated the most by the military who openly pluck the fruits of good life whether they are mature or not (Osah, et al, 2014).…”

“…For instance, Gen. Babangida's regime was known for open collection of 'kick-backs and ten-percent' from all quoted contracts. It is also on record that the Halliburton bribe which indicted the military regimes of General Sani Abacha, General Abdulsalami Abubakar and the civilian administration of Olusegun Obasanjo are just a few of the heinous cases in high places (Osah, et al, 2014).…”

“…There was close affinity with virtues that promoted good life as the leadership was exemplary and valued hard work was greatly encouraged. The displacement of the Nigerian prestigious culture was replaced by the twin devices of subjugation and exploitation of the colonized characterized by oppressive connotation of slave trade (Osah, Osundina, Ayim, Nwokocha & Chioma 2014).…”