CORRUPT PRACTICES IN THE MEDIA, TRADITIONAL AND RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS: A LEGAL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Corruption in Nigeria manifests itself in different ways and occurs at all levels of society. The media, traditionaland religious institutions are also negatively affected by corruption and despite numerous laws and policies thatare aimed at tackling the menace, corruption still permeates in various forms. Using a doctrinal researchmethodology, this article examines the concept of corruption, the historical background and the legal frameworkfor combatting corruption. Right from the colonial era, there have been allegations of corrupt practices inNigeria. The article examines corruption in the media, traditional and religious institutions. The article observesthat it is the constitutional duty of the media to hold government accountable by providing information to thepublic in respect of how corruption permeates into governmental activities and permissible actions to be taken infighting corruption. It also observes that, despite the immense contributions given by Nigeria’s religious leadersin the fight against corruption, some few among them have been accused of converting religion as a channel ofcorruption. Among other recommendations, this article recommends that anti-corruption efforts are moreeffective if the media, traditional and religious institutions are actively involved.