Corruption

**__Return to Public Policy in Nigeria__**

= = Corruption in the government

 Currrent Policies

Nigeria has always had some form of enforcement against corruption, but 1999 was the year Obasanjo began his "war," marking the advent of more substantial reform. He initiated programs recovering the looted funds from banks, inquiry panels to investigate and report on corruption, the establishment of the ICP and EFCC, and reform in the public sector through privatization and commercialization. Obasanjo's measures formed a legitimate base for anti-corruption policy in Nigeria, though subsequent action has led to both regression and progression.



Public Opinion

Despite valuing personal morality, many Nigerians are nonchalant towards the corruption in their government. In some cases, theft is an admired sport, something hard for Americans to perceive, and this only encourages the tolerated acts to continue.

Is the Government Adequately Dealing with Corruption





Nearly half of the Nigerian populace do not believe that corruption is effectively managed; however, a large majority supports the changeover in INEC leadership.  The CPI measures the degree to which corruption is perceived to exist among public officials and politicians. High numbers indicate relatively less corruption, whereas lower numbers indicate relatively more corruption.

Confidence in the Judicary?



This represents a suprisingly high confidence in the judiciary.

Perceptions of the Upcoming Elections



After qualitative changes in elections procedures, the majority of the Nigerian people seem to have faith that the upcoming elections will be fair and representative.

 Party Opinion

Note: it is difficult to peg parties with certain opinions against corruption when many parties are accused of the act themselves. PDP: It has the highest number of members indicted with corruption of any other political party. This may explain it's dominance in Nigerian politics. However, the mounting challenges in the courts may reflect a trend from Mexico's political development where corruption in the primary party evoked powerful democratic opposition movements. If this upwelling of democratic sentiments continues in Nigeria, a possibility supported by the rhetoric of many of the opposition candidates, then, ignoring cleavages, the country may be on the path to liberal democracy. Also note that the PDP is Obasanjo's party, the man who initiates the anti-corruption policies in the first place.

Presidential Candidate Debate

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[| http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrqySLhxeTk&feature=related]

ACN (Ribadu) 19-23 mins discusses corruption CPC (Buhari) 23-25 mins and 28-30 mins defends his dicatorial regime, rather wittily as well.

 Implications

Yar'dua set out to harass any anti-corruption facilitators that Obasanjo sent out. Considering his path to the presidency, it is obvious that the policies are not taken seriously. Any policies still in place are not expected to make a huge difference. With the apathy of the people towards the subject, the future is bleak for the reminder of policies against corruption. When prebendalism is an accepted practice, it is hard to banish corruption totally. Therefore, it may be best to take a new approach with a popular leader than to continue with Obasanjo's policies.