SENSITIZATION DRIVE

The ICPC/NYSC CDS group will move its sensitization train to Loyola College, Agodi Gate, Ibadan on Thursday, 15th May, 2014. by 7:30am. Nigeria's ours, Nigeria we serve.

THE ROLE OF THE YOUTHS IN COMBATING CORRUPTION IN NIGERIA. PRESENTED BY ATAFO MICHAEL AGELE OY/2013A/0280

Introduction

Some of the things that cause poverty in Nigeria are the Nigerian ruling and business elite. The ruling elite lack the kind of philosophical and ideological vision and orientation that is committed to developing "a dream society." They have no dream beyond the satisfaction of desires. This paper examines the nature of corruption, its effects on the youth and how we can fight it.

Definition

Corruption is a social problem that has interested many scholars. Ruzindana (1999) asserts that corruption in Africa is a problem of routine deviation from established standards and norms by public officials and parties with whom they interact. He also identified the types of corruption in Africa as bribery, private gain, and other benefits to non-existent workers and pensioners (called ghost workers). The dishonest and illegal behavior exhibited especially by people in authority for their personal gain is corruption.
According to the ICPC Act (section 2), corruption includes vices like bribery, fraud, and other related offences. Corruption is the abuse or misuse of power or position of trust for personal or group benefit (monetary or otherwise).
Corruption is a symptom of numerous difficulties within contemporary societies. It usually involves more than one party. It takes a form of an organized crime. At times, an organization can be established on corruption to beget corruption. Gbenga (2008) asserts that corruption is contagious. According to the perception index of Transparency International, Nigeria was ranked 144th out of the 146 countries, beating Bangladesh and Haiti to last position. An analysis of the anti-graft/anti-corruption laws in Nigeria shows that corruption will continue in spite of the laws because the perpetrators do not fear any consequences. It is now dawning on the Nigerian public that the so-called private enterprise and legislators are free from scrutiny, and governors claim to be immune. Corruption is found in the award of contracts, promotion of staff, dispensation of justice, and misuse of public offices, positions, and privileges, embezzlement of public funds, public books, publications, documents, valuable security, and accounts. Corruption can be systematic in nature and affect the whole life of an organization or society.

Corruption in Nigeria

John Locke outlined the doctrine of the separation of powers, indicating the danger of oppressive and arbitrary rule when all functions of government are exercised by a single person or institution. The growing corruption in Nigeria can be traced to people holding power at the federal, state, and local government levels. Corruption does not involve just people in government, but also to people in both private and public positions and even traditional rulers.
President Olusegun Obasanjo presented a bill to the national assembly on “the prohibition and punishment of bribery, corruption, and other related offences bill of 1999”. Obasanjo's regime has certainly fired the most critical shot at corruption in Nigeria in recent times. At the federal level, it cannot be business as usual in Nigeria. Corruption has also spread to both the state and local government levels, as well as some decentralized centers of power and authority. Within the educational sector in Nigeria, especially from secondary to  university levels, corruption is very pervasive, and most of which is not in the public eye. Corruption in education includes:

1.      Corrupt practices by parents of students.

2.      Corrupt practices by lecturers.

3.      Corrupt practice by police, e.t.c.

 

Causes of Corruption in Nigeria

With unchecked, unbridled, and uncontrolled, power, humans become corrupt. According to Thomas Hobbes, “life becomes solitary, nasty, brutish, and short." Our previous colonial background has been identified by scholars. Our colonial heritage has  altered our values and perception of morality; some of the causes of corruption are:

• Trade Restriction. This is Government-induced source of rent of seeking corruption. The restriction on importation of foreign automobiles are examples of how government officials and politicians can make quick money via rent seeking. 
• Government subsidies. When government allocates scarce recourses to individuals and firms using legal criteria other than the ability or willingness to pay, corruption is likely to be the result. Corruption can thrive under industrial policies that allow poorly-targeted subsidies to be appropriated by firms for which they are not intended.
• Price controls. The purpose is to lower the price of some goods below market value. For social and political reason, these are also a source of corruption.
• Low wages in civil service. When public wages are low, public servants may be compelled to use their official positions to collect bribes as a way of making ends meet, particularly when the chances of being caught are low.
• Sociological factors. Multi-ethnic societies may be more likely to fall prey to corruption as a result of failure to manage ethnic conflict in a way that is fair to everyone.

The youths and corruption

The post-election violence, boko haram insurgency, reoccurring fatal road accidents due to degenerated and substandard roads, reappearance of armed robbers and car snatchers are examples of problems the nation has faced and is currently facing as a result of corruption. A young Nigerian pained by the threat corruption posed to the entity called Nigeria advocated for executions to be given to corrupt persons. I dare say if such is carried out, every home in Nigeria is going to experience mourning as at least one person in each home would be executed. As a means of eradicating corruption, we must implements these few points:

-          A-Merit based society: Hard work can only be sustained when everybody plays by the same rule. For instance, a student guaranteed that discipline and hard work can help him gain admission would be easily motivated to shun corruption such as exam malpractice and sorting (bribing lecturers to get high scores or pass their courses) whereas when such high virtues are ignored for lower things like man-know-man, corruption would always be enthroned. Dr. Wale Babalakin SAN (2010) in an inaugural lecture presented at the University of Lagos opined that until Nigeria return to a merit based society, development would continue to elude it. He noted that the best must be given preference above the average and employment/admissions should be based on competence and capacity rather than on recommendation. I assert that as long as Nigeria continues to value medio-crity above excellence, collapse would just be a matter of time.

-          All Men are equal before the law: In Nigeria, a common saying that has been used to aid corruption is that not all fingers are equal hence all men cannot be equal before the face of the law. This has been used by the elite class to defend their breaking of the law. Because of this, most Nigerians have lost confidence in the entire system with some others lured to engaging in corruption. I have heard people say if you want to steal in Nigeria, make sure you steal in billions so that when you are arrested, you have enough money to buy your bail or plea bargain and shorten your sentence. It is pathetic that different laws are used for the rich and the poor. For stealing billions of naira, A former Inspector General of Police and A former Chief Executive of a Bank got some months conviction whereas for stealing a few thousands of naira ordinary Nigerians are sentenced to several years’ imprisonment.

-           A-one Nigeria Mentality: To eradicate corruption, every Nigerian must view Nigeria as a united entity and work collectively for its good whether within the country or in the diaspora. Nowadays, corrupt individuals are brazenly defended by people from their region. For instance, before the eventual arrest of Mr. James Ibori former Governor of Delta State, there were wide protests in his home area of Asaba where though the people knew of his criminal deeds they supported him because he is “their son and the son of the soil”. Such mentality still exists in Nigeria and poses a threat to both her development and corporate existence. This one Nigeria mentality would help put the interest of the nation above every personal interest which is a prerequisite to eradicating corruption and ensuring acceleration of the much needed development.

It is my believe that if we implement these points, we will be able to eradicate corruption and lay a foundation of integrity for our nation Nigeria. Also In order to prevent corruption from happening at all, Nigerian should emphasis transparency, integrity, and accountability in all their private and public transaction. Some solutions include:

•  Social Transformation. Transformation in education of the public is a necessary factor in social transformation. There is need for formation and reformation, orientation and re-orientation of the minds and heart of Nigerians, for them to  see that corruption is the enemy of development.
• Enforcement of Anti-Corruption Law. The law should be enforced to its fullest and without fear and favour.
• Improvement of Socio-political and Economic Life. This is another weapon against corruption in Nigeria. The multiplying effects of this improvement will reduce the tendency of public servants to demand and take bribes and get involved in other corrupt practices.

Conclusion

Corruption in Nigeria is systematic, and to address the problem a systematic approach is needed. To curb and eventually eradicate corruption, children, youth, and adults must be given the power to distinguish right from wrong. All schools should return to the teaching of moral education to empower children with the spirit of stewardship, while adults live exemplary lives, reflecting truth, kindness, dignity of labour, and integrity.

References

I.B. Bello-Imam (2005).The war against corruption in Nigeria: Prospects and problems.
The Guardian Newspaper. "EFCC; ICPC, record average performance, says poll. April 7 page 13.
Olusegun Obasanjo (1990). Inaugural Address, "Was a new dawn delivered on May 29."
Hassan A. Saliu, Ayodele, et al. (2006). The National Question and Some Selected Topics.

ICPC Smashes Parallel Office In Ibadan

ICPC Smashes Parallel Office In Ibadan

Posted on April 14, 2014 by ICPC

Operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) last week raided an alleged ICPC parallel office located at Abonde Road, opposite Elekuro High School, Akanran Road, Olorunshogo, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Nine suspects were arrested and are being interrogated in ICPC Ibadan office in Oyo State. They are: Ilesanmi T. Okunola, Oladipo Barnabas Abiodun, Ogunsanya Ayinla, Akintunde Oluwasogo, Akanbi Oluwole, Omo-Aare Temitope Emmanuel, Odetunde Olamide, Adewuyi Peter and Iyanda Lekan.

The nefarious activities of the impersonators came to light when a female petitioner (name withheld) blew the whistle on their operations for allegedly duping many unsuspecting members of the public.

The petitioner alleged that the operators of this alleged ICPC fake office were in the habit of collecting the sum of N2,000 from complainants before their cases were treated.

Following a sting operation they were arrested in the act. During preliminary interrogation, the alleged fake ICPC officials turned out to be renegades of the National Anti-Corruption Volunteer Corps (NAVC) whose activities were under suspension on the orders of the Chairman of ICPC in December, 2013.

The alleged ICPC fake office, it was revealed, has been operating unnoticed since 2012.

A Nigerian flag, NAVC flag, one bullet proof vest, 10 wooden guns, 58 case files, one photocopy of ICPC Act, attendance register and weekly duty register were recovered from the illegal office.

Members of the public who have more information on the same or similar groups should avail ICPC with the requisite information either at our Ibadan office located at 19B University Crescent, Old Bodija Estate, Ibadan or through our website: info@icpc.gov.ng or through our toll-free lines: 0803 123 0280, 0803 123 0281, 0803 123 0282, 0705 699 0190 and 0705 699 0191

The Ball Lies in Our Courts By: Aderibigbe Adeyemi Ibrahim OY/13C/0247

"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power".

    This quote by Abraham Lincoln is still very evident in Nigeria's politics of today, as our leaders normally transform from a humble servant to a god after being elected into power.
    Squandering and mismanaging funds, and also sitting and eating the future of the same people they themselves call the future leaders and going freely boasting about their unclean acquired wealth.
    Everything is on the tax payer, they pay bribes with the tax payer's money and still use the tax payer's money oppress the tax payer.
    So my beloved, Eradicating corruption lies in our hands.
    Take for instance Ghana, South Korea and china to name a few, their level of discipline is extremely high and the punishment given to offenders of the law are commensurate to the crime committed. If this simple word called (Discipline) can be observed with all diligence in Nigeria, then corruption will be a forgotten menace and very rapid and quality growth will set into the country, and the label (giant of Africa) can be truly justified.
    Discipline is the key to a better Nigeria.
Thank you.
Aderibigbe Adeyemi Ibrahim
OY/13C/0247

CORRUPTION: BETWEEN ETHICS AND PROFESSIONALISM- AN AWARENESS FOR YOUTH CORPS MEMBERS BY: BABAYANJU, ABDULGANIYU AKANJI (OY/13C/3045) Youth corps member, Oyo State.

CORRUPTION: BETWEEN ETHICS AND PROFESSIONALISM- AN AWARENESS FOR YOUTH CORPS MEMBERS

INTRODUCTION

The word ‘corruption’ and its dimensions have been enormously discussed and written on among the Nigerian academics, administrators and public speakers. The discussion still continues. However, this piece looks at the epidemic from the perspective of ethical and professional standards.

Although corruption has been defined in various ways, for the purpose of this write up, corruption can be defined as any act that contradicts ethical and professional standards with a view to gaining undue or premature advantage or commendations.

ETHICAL AND PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

Ethics is concerned with right and wrong and how conduct should be judged to be good or bad. It is about how we should live our lives and, in particular, how we should behave towards other people. Standards are acceptable or expected minimum level of performance. Ethical standards therefore are levels of conducts and behaviours that are socially and culturally accepted to be good or right.

According to Wikipedia, ‘’profession is a vocation founded on specialized educational training, the purpose of which is to supply objective counsel and service to others, for direct and  definite compensation, wholly apart from other business gain.” The bold phrase implies that a profession operates in line with principle of ethics (ethical standards). The standards of behaviour and conduct expected of a member of the profession are referred to as professional standards.

Principles of Ethics:

Two of the major principles of ethics, found in literatures, are Deontology and Teleology.

Deontology is concerned with the application of absolute, universal ethical principles in order to arrive at rules of conduct. The “word deontology” is derived from the Greek for 'duty'.

Deontology lays down criteria by which actions may be judged in advance, the outcomes of the actions are not relevant. In other words, there are rules, regulations and criteria to judge whether and action good or bad at the time of committing it.

Teleology.also known as consequentialsim is concerned with making moral judgements about courses of action by reference to their outcomes or consequences. Right or wrong becomes a question of benefit or harm rather than observance of universal principles.

CORRUPTION: BETWEEN ETHICS AND PROFESSIONALISM

 In Nigeria, corrupt acts are usually judged in accordance with deontological principles i.e based on  rules and regulations: laws rather than consequences. Corrupt acts are identified and perpetrators sactioned based on what the rules say.  the gravity of the purnishment or sanctions now depend on expertise of the judges and lawyers.

 For instance, reckless driving is prohibited. Many people obey the rules because it is a law and the fear of sanction not because of the consequences. Therefore, an offender can get himself freed or less sanctioned with the engagement of good lawyers taking advantages of loopholes in the laws. meanwhile should the consequence of his action had been considered initially he wouldnt have drove in that manner.

Many acts are being practiced which are considered relatively acceptable among the professionals, which when viewed from teleological ethical prin iples, they are unacceptable.  Some of the practices include (not limited to):

        i.            PR. PR is used to describe various voluntary gifts and gratuitous being given and received among professionals and corporate organisations to show appreciation or to press their demands.

      ii.            Creative Financial Reporting. This involved producing company’s financial statements using false information to make it appealing to the readers/ users. This is usually done to avoid tax; to secure loan and bid for contracts.

    iii.            Nepotism. This is concerned with rendering of service based on familiarity or relationship. Only those who are close or familiar to the officer in charge are served (favoured) sometimes at the expense of others or before others, regardless of their qualification for the service.

All of the above practices are usually considered normal, among the corporate practitioners, in the course of practicing their profession. However from standard ethical behaviour, especially from teleological perspectives, they are socially acceptable. Their consequences are usually grievous. Hence they are corrupt practices and should not be condoned. The use of PR  in corporate practices will eventually result in receiver subsequently demanding for certain sum or compensation before a particular service or act will be carried out. This is bribery (corruption). In the same vein, creative reporting will make investor to put large sum in the business, which is distortive, and eventually lost the money when the reality comes up. This is fraud.Nepotism encourages the parties at the receiving ends(who are denied of their rights at the due time) to seek alternatives to get their right. They will be forced to use any unwholesome means, such bribery, stealing and other shameful acts such as trading their human dignity to get what they wanted since they are have been denied. These are corrupt practices.

The consequences of the above acts are not for the individual concerned only but on the general organisation, community, society and nation at large. This is the view of teleologists.

WAY OUT

As recommendations on the ways to prevent corruption among professionals and public offcials, in views of ethical standards. The following as presented by Electoral and Administrative Review Commission of Australia in their Report on Code of Conducts for Public Officials:

1.      Respect for the Law and System of government

2.      Respect for persons

3.      Integrity

4.      Diligence

5.      Economy and Efficiency

The following are also suggested for organisations:

Ø  The company conducts all of its business on ethical principles and expects staff to do likewise.

Ø  Employees are seen as the most important component of the company and are expected to workon a basis of trust, respect, honesty, fairness, decency and equality. The company will only employpeople who follow its ethical ideals.

Ø  Customers should be treated courteously and politely at all times, and the company should alwaysrespond promptly to customer needs by listening, understanding and then performing to thecustomer requirements.

Ø  The company is dedicated to complying with legal or regulatory standards of the industry, andemployees are expected to do likewise.

Ø  The company's relationship with suppliers and subcontractors must be based on mutual respect.

Ø  The company has a responsibility to: foster open markets for trade and investment; promotecompetitive behaviour that is socially and environmentally beneficial and demonstrates mutualrespect among competitors; and refrain from either seeking or participating in questionablepayments or favours to secure competitive advantages.

Ø  A business should protect and, where possible, improve the environment, promote sustainabledevelopment, and prevent the wasteful use of natural resources.

Ø  The company has a responsibility in the community to: respect human rights and democraticinstitutions, and promote them wherever practicable; recognise government's legitimate obligationto the society at large and support public policies and practices that promote human developmentthrough harmonious relations between business and other segments of society; collaborate withthose forces in the community dedicated to raising standards of health, education, workplacesafety and economic well-being; respect the integrity of local cultures; and be a good corporatecitizen through charitable donations, educational and cultural contributions and employee participation in community and civic affairs.

If all the above suggested ethical guidance and the previous codes of conducts & corporate governance that have established by corporate and professional bodies are employed and followed, conscious of the consequences, corruption will be reduced to bearest minimum or totally eradicated in the our system.

AWARENESS FOR YOUTH CORPS MEMBERS.

Youth corpsmembers, as prospective practising proffessionals and administrators, are hereby charged to be ready to embrace ethical and professional standards taking cognizance of the consequences of their actions.

References:

BPP Learning Media, UK (2009): ACCA P1: Professional Accountant-Study text

Criminal Justice Commission, Australia (1993): Corruption in the work place: How to prevent it; Hoe to detect it; what to do about it.

Written by:

BABAYANJU, ABDULGANIYU AKANJI (OY/13C/3045)

Youth corps member, Oyo State.