The Effect of Corruption on Democratic Consolidation in the Fourth Republic (2007 -2018)
CHAPTER ONE
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The objectives of the study are;
- The ascertain the effect of corruption on democratic consolidation in the fourth republic
- To ascertain the causes of corruption in the fourth republic
- To ascertain the Challenges of Democratic Consolidation in Nigeria
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
NEXUS BETWEEN CORRUPTION AND DEMOCRACY
Corruption is a common phenomenon, which presents itself in different colorations and dimensions depending on where it rears its ugly head. Because it is widespread in terms of its coverage and extensive attention, the scourge has received in the communities or perhaps due to the fact that it has been over-flogged in the academic circles, the concept attracts different and multifaceted meanings from different people particularly the social scientists. Some of these definitions are self-limiting in what they cover as constituting corruption while others are encompassing. A definition of corruption that falls into the first category sees the phenomenon as any transaction which violates the duty of a public office holder with a partial motive of acquiring or amassing resources illegally for personal advancement and self-gratification (Odekunle 1986; Otite 1986). There is no doubt that crime of corruption in government threatens the moral integrity of a nation and hampered development. It is a clandestine activity. It is the act of siphoning public fund for private use (Egwemi 2012). From the above, it is common to find people referring to corruption as the perversion of public affairs for private advantage. Therefore, corruption in this sense includes bribery or the use of unauthorized rewards to influence people in position of authority either to act or refuse to act in ways that are beneficial to the private advantage of the giver and that of the receiver (see section 2 of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission EFCC Act 2004). It also includes misappropriation of public funds and resources for private gains. One conclusion that can be drawn from this self-limiting definition is that a public official is corrupt if he accepts money or money’s worth for doing something, which he is under a duty or an obligation to do. Also, by this definition, it is corruption for a public official to accept payment of cash or kind not to do what he is supposed to do or to exercise a legitimate discretion for improper reasons (McMullan, 1996).
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research design
The researcher used descriptive research survey design in building up this project work the choice of this research design was considered appropriate because of its advantages of identifying attributes of a large population from a group of individuals. The design was suitable for the study as the study sought to the effect of corruption on democratic consolidation in the fourth republic (2007-2018)
Sources of data collection
Data were collected from two main sources namely:
Primary source and Secondary source
Primary source:
These are materials of statistical investigation which were collected by the research for a particular purpose. They can be obtained through a survey, observation questionnaire or as experiment; the researcher has adopted the questionnaire method for this study.
Secondary source:
These are data from textbook Journal handset etc. they arise as byproducts of the same other purposes. Example administration, various other unpublished works and write ups were also used.
CHAPTER FOUR
PRESENTATION ANALYSIS INTERPRETATION OF DATA
Introduction
Efforts will be made at this stage to present, analyze and interpret the data collected during the field survey. This presentation will be based on the responses from the completed questionnaires. The result of this exercise will be summarized in tabular forms for easy references and analysis. It will also show answers to questions relating to the research questions for this research study. The researcher employed simple percentage in the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain The effect of corruption on democratic consolidation in the fourth republic (2007-2018)
In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the challenges of corruption on democratic consolidation in the fourth republic
Summary
This study was on The effect of corruption on democratic consolidation in the fourth republic (2007-2018). Three objectives were raised which included: The ascertain the effect of corruption on democratic consolidation in the fourth republic, to ascertain the causes of corruption in the fourth republic, to ascertain the Challenges of Democratic Consolidation in Nigeria. In line with these objectives, two research hypotheses were formulated and two null hypotheses were posited. The total population for the study is 200 staff of EFCC, Abuja. The researcher used questionnaires as the instrument for the data collection. Descriptive Survey research design was adopted for this study. A total of 133 respondents made up detective assistants, detective inspectors, senior officers and junior officers was used for the study. The data collected were presented in tables and analyzed using simple percentages and frequencies
Conclusion
Corruption is a serious problem negating Nigeria’s democratization process. This is because it is bedevil by such problems as mismanagement, wasteful spending, and spending States fund on unproductive sectors among others. Though, kudos should be given to the former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo for initiating and setting up structures and institutions (ICPC and EFCC) to fight corruption, this effort has made public office holders to be conscious of their dealings in power. Although, many people have criticized the government of using it as a political weapon, but still to all, it is a very good step in the right direction considering the intensity of the endemic problem of corruption and how it has set the country back in its quest for democratic pursuit. Therefore, fighting corruption does not necessarily mean a task for government alone. It should be a product of a joint effort by everybody in the country. Fighting corruption in Nigeria needs the joint efforts of the private and public sector and even the ordinary citizen (Dike 2003; Nwezeh 2011; Punch July 4, 2012)
Recommendation
- Deepening of democratic principle: Democracy is characterized by adherence to the rule of law, respect for fundamental human rights and the protection of life and property. For democracy and democratic consolidation to thrive in the country, the principles of democracy must not only be imbibed but must also be deepened.
- For democracy to be consolidated in the country, there is need for change in the value orientation of the political elite. The ideological bases of our political parties that facilitate political vagrancy must be altered. Besides, the National Assembly should enact a law to outlaw carpet-crossing.
REFERENCES
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