Endangering good governance for sustainable democracy: the continuing struggle against corruption in Nigeria

Abstract

With enormous oil wealth and large market, Nigeria is qualified to be called the giant of Africa. Unfortunately, the
giant stature was lost by over 20 years of brutal military rule and corruption. Twelve years into the nascent
democratic governance, the struggle against corruption and mismanagement continue to endanger all attempts at
democratic consolidation. Poor leadership as epitomised in the alarming records of political corruption has
therefore led to socio-economic stagnation and alienation of the citizenry from political processes. Shortcoming
had been prevalent in the activities of the Anti-Corruption Agencies (ACAs), especially the ICPC and EFCC because
they had been weak and ineffective, poorly funded and not supported by strong political will for successful
campaign against graft and other associated vices. The little success had been lopsided, vindictive and selective,
so, rather than abating, it has been festering and counter-productive. Unfortunately, without good governance,
democratic reforms for sustainability have limited impact. Hence, we are challenged in this paper to reappraise the
continued struggles with a view to seeing it work.