CORRUPTION IN NIGERIA: A SCOURGE WITHOUT A REMEDY

Abstract

Corruption is a misuse of public powers for private profit. It is described as an abuse of public power for private benefit. It is the act of doing something with the intent to give some advantage inconsistent with official duty and the right of others, or official use of a station or office to procure some benefit either personally or for someone else contrary to the right of others. It can also be defined as the act of soliciting or accepting promises, gifts, offers to accomplish or to abstain from accomplishing an act of office or employment that is not subject to a salary. Scourge is a whip for inflicting suffering or punishment. It is any instrumentality or means for causing suffering or death, hence severe punishment. Scourge can also cause suffering. If corruption in Nigeria is a scourge, and a scourge, as seen from the definition, is something that inflicts suffering, hardship and punishment, are we going to continue living with corruption because there is no remedy or solution to it in Nigeria? No. The researcher therefore recommended the strict implementation and observance of section 1 of the Fifth Schedule Part 1 of Code of Conduct for Public Officers as prescribed in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.