Corruption: A Virus That Must Be Tackled In Our Match To ‘A New ABIA State’. – By Anokwuru Christian Uche, PhD

CORRUPTION: A VIRUS THAT MUST BE TACKLED IN OUR MATCH TO ‘A NEW ABIA STATE.’

By, Anokwuru Christian Uche, PhD.

INTRODUCTION

According to Garry Skinner, the founder of Watoto Ministries, corruption is a vile disease that sucks and drains the health out of something good. Corruption in society is an evil moral infection that keeps the community in a state of perpetual sickness. Corruption is a moral virus. It is so potent that it leaves its host sick, lethargic, and unable to realize and accomplish all that a good person can. Where corruption thrives, poverty rather than prosperity thrives. Wealth is grabbed into the greedy grubby hands of those who get fat on the toil and labour of good people. Corruption benefits only temporarily, those who participate in it. Everyone else is a victim of the theft, the deceit, the dishonesty, and the lies that corruption feeds on. You need to know that a corrupt person is stealing from you. Corruption is filthy work and despicable acts of treachery done under the table and behind closed doors.

Corruption is a disgusting shame. It keeps a nation away from true development and progress; wise investors steer clear of a corrupt environment. They would rather put their resources into a place where the playing field of opportunity is equal for all and not bent towards feeding the financial lust, the corrupt, lying, cheating and thieving politicians and government officials.

How many wonderful development projects have been lost because investors did not want to do business in a swamp of evil? When those great projects go to another nation or some other place, the unavoidable consequence is that we all lose. This is why it is incontrovertible to say that when corruption steals from you, it steals from all of us. Corruption plunders the nation’s wealth. Little wonder Omoregbe opined that in a country where the citizens are morally diseased, every talk about national development becomes a mirage because money meant for projects is diverted into private pockets without a qualm of conscience.

Corrupt people are morally sick people because they compromise on truth, equity and fairness, choosing instead to feed off the short-term benefits of crookedness, exploitation and financial perversion. Corruption is not just a personal matter but an institutionalized culture and a way of life for criminal-minded individuals, companies, communities, governments, and nations. Corrupt nations hiding behind large companies will seek to invest in other weak nations to take over the assets of the nation that they’ve invested in. A corrupt person steals from everyone in the society, and we all lose when and where corruption is rampant. Those who participate in corruption have chosen evil over good, lies over truth and personal gain over the well-being of all.

To be corrupt means to be rotten. Like corrupt meat which stinks when rotten and cannot be eaten, when a person is corrupt, they are rotten and unfit for a place in the community.

ADDRESSING CORRUPTION FOR THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF ABIA STATE

Corruption diverts public funds away from essential services and infrastructure projects, which hampers economic development. When corruption is reduced, more resources can be allocated to projects that stimulate economic growth. corruption is a form of and a contributor to economic insecurity, and a corrupt environment scares and repels both domestic and foreign investors. Transparency and accountability foster a business-friendly environment, attracting investments that create jobs and boost the local economy. Corruption erodes trust in government institutions and destroys relationships between such government and both well-meaning citizens and agencies that would have loved to do business with the government. Restoring integrity and accountability helps rebuild public confidence, encouraging civic participation and compliance with laws and regulations. Corruption leads to inefficiencies and poor service delivery in critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and public transportation. Addressing corruption ensures that resources are used effectively, improving the quality of life for residents. Corruption often disproportionately affects the most vulnerable populations. Reducing corruption ensures that public resources are distributed more equitably, reducing poverty and inequality and leading to peaceful co-existence.

Strengthening anti-corruption laws and institutions creates a robust framework for governance. This helps in the effective implementation of policies and programs aimed at socio-economic development. Corruption can lead to significant revenue losses through tax evasion and embezzlement. Addressing corruption improves revenue collection, which can be reinvested in development projects. Tackling corruption is essential for creating a transparent, accountable, and efficient governance structure that can drive sustainable socio-economic development in Abia State, leading to the actualization of the ‘New Abia’ of our collective dream.

The impact of corruption in Abia State is multifaceted, affecting various aspects of society and development. Key impacts include:

1. Economic Stagnation – Corruption leads to the misallocation of resources, where funds meant for development projects are siphoned. This hinders infrastructure development and reduces the overall economic growth of the state.
2. Poor Public Services – Corruption in public institutions often results in inadequate and poor-quality service delivery in healthcare, education, and public transportation. This diminishes the standard of living and exacerbates social inequities, leading to heightened crime level.
3. Investment Deterrence – A corrupt environment is unattractive to investors. Uncertainty, demand for bribes, and the lack of transparent processes deter both local and foreign investments, limiting job creation and economic diversification, leading to a high unemployment rate among the youth, making our streets a dangerous jungle for the survival of the fiercest and fittest.
4. Erosion of Public Trust – Corruption undermines trust in government and public institutions. When citizens perceive their leaders as corrupt, it diminishes their faith in democratic processes and governance, leading to apathy and reduced civic engagement.
5. Increased Poverty and Inequality – Corruption exacerbates poverty by diverting resources away from essential public services and social safety nets. The most vulnerable populations suffer the most, widening the gap between the rich and the poor, the haves and the have-nots.
6. Weakened Institutions – Persistent corruption weakens the effectiveness and credibility of institutions. Law enforcement agents, the judiciary, and regulatory bodies become compromised, reducing their ability to function independently and uphold the rule of law.
7. Crime and Insecurity – Corruption often goes hand in hand with other forms of crime, including fraud, embezzlement, and money laundering. It can also contribute to a broader environment of lawlessness and insecurity, affecting social stability.
8. Human Capital Drain – Poor governance and lack of opportunities due to corruption lead to brain drain, where skilled professionals leave the state in search of better prospects, further depleting the talent pool needed for development.
9. Environmental Degradation – Corruption can lead to the illegal exploitation of natural resources, contributing to environmental degradation and unsustainable practices that harm the long-term health of the state’s ecosystem. CAUSES OF CORRUPTION

The causes of corruption vary but are interconnected, reflecting broader systemic issues as well as specific local conditions. Identified key causes of corruption include but are not limited to:

1. Weak Institutions and Governance – Ineffective governance structures and weak institutions create an environment where corruption can flourish. Lack of transparency, accountability, and oversight allows corrupt practices to go unchecked.
2. Political Patronage and Clientelism – The political system in Abia State often relies on patronage networks, where politicians use public resources to reward loyal supporters. This fosters a culture of favouritism and corruption. When public offices are given as compensation or gift to family members, friends, and political allies on a platter of gold, the irreducible consequence is the mismanagement of such offices which happens in different forms.
3. Economic Instability and Poverty – High levels of poverty and economic instability can drive individuals to engage in corrupt practices as a means of survival. Public officials may seek bribes to supplement inadequate salaries. When people work like horses and eat like poor church rats, they may be forced to look for illegitimate means to reward themselves.
4. Lack of Enforcement and Legal Frameworks – Inadequate enforcement of anti-corruption laws and weak legal frameworks contribute to a culture of impunity. When corrupt individuals are not held accountable, it leads to a chain of iniquities and the perpetuation of the organogram of wickedness which finds expression in corruption.
5. Cultural Factors – Social norms and cultural attitudes can play a significant role in perpetuating corruption. In some cases, giving and receiving bribes may be seen as acceptable practices or a necessity for getting things done.
6. Lack of Civic Education and Engagement – Limited awareness and understanding of the rights and responsibilities of citizens and the courage to demand them can contribute to corruption. When citizens are not engaged or informed, they are less likely to demand accountability.
7. Inadequate Monitoring and Auditing – Weak monitoring and auditing mechanisms allow corruption to go undetected and unchecked. Without proper oversight, public funds and resources can be easily misappropriated.
8. Political Instability – Political instability and frequent leadership changes can disrupt governance processes and create opportunities for corruption as officials seek to maximize personal gain during their tenure.
9. Influence of Powerful Individuals and Groups – The influence of powerful individuals and interest groups can undermine efforts to combat corruption. These actors may use their power to protect their interests and resist reforms. KEY STRATEGIES FOR TACKLING CORRUPTION IN ABIA STATE

Tackling corruption in Abia State requires a comprehensive approach that involves various stakeholders and addresses the root causes of corruption. Some of the identified key strategies include:

1. Strengthening Institutions and Governance – Implementing transparent processes in government operations, such as open bidding for contracts and public access to government information. Establish robust mechanisms for holding public officials accountable, including regular audits and performance reviews.
2. Legal and Regulatory Reforms – Strengthening and rigorously enforcing existing anti-corruption laws and ensuring that penalties for corrupt practices are severe enough to deter wrongdoing. Creating or strengthening independent bodies with the authority and resources to investigate and prosecute corruption cases without political interference.
3. Public Sector Reforms – Ensuring that public sector employees are adequately compensated to reduce the incentive for corrupt practices. Ensuring timely payment of salaries and pensions to reduce financial pressures on public officials.
4. Civic Engagement and Education – Educating citizens about their rights and responsibilities and the importance of transparency and accountability in governance. Involving citizens in decision-making processes and creating platforms for them to report corruption and hold public officials accountable.
5. Technology and E-Governance – Using technology to automate government processes, reduce human discretion, and minimize opportunities for corruption. This can include online procurement systems, digital payment platforms, and electronic record-keeping. Developing secure and anonymous channels for reporting corruption and providing protection and incentives for whistleblowers.
6. Strengthening Oversight and Monitoring – Conducting regular and independent audits of government finances and projects to detect and prevent corruption. Empowering civil society organizations to monitor government activities and advocate for transparency and accountability without fear or favour.
7. Political Will and Leadership – Political leaders must publicly commit to fighting corruption and lead by example, demonstrating integrity in their actions. Ensuring that anti-corruption agencies can operate independently and without political interference and intimidation is also key.
8. International Cooperation – Collaborating with international organizations and other countries to share best practices, technical assistance, and support in the fight against corruption. Working with international partners to trace, freeze, and recover assets stolen through corrupt practices and repatriate them to the state will contribute significantly to reducing corrupt practices among public officeholders.

By implementing these strategies in a coordinated and sustained manner, Abia State can make significant progress in reducing corruption and fostering an environment conducive to socio-economic development.

The media and civil society organizations (CSOs) can play crucial roles in tackling corruption in Abia State. The media and CSOs can educate the public about the harmful effects of corruption and the importance of transparency and accountability. They may raise awareness through campaigns, articles, reports, and community outreach. They can provide education on citizens’ rights and responsibilities, empowering people to demand accountability from their leaders and participate actively in governance. The media can also conduct investigative journalism to uncover and report instances of corruption, bringing them to the attention of the public and authorities.

CSOs can monitor government activities, track the implementation of policies and progress, and report any form of misuse of public resources. They can serve as watchdogs to ensure that public officials adhere to ethical standards.

Media and CSOs can advocate for stronger anti-corruption laws and policies. They can lobby for legal and institutional reforms to enhance transparency and accountability in governance. They can organize public campaigns to pressure government officials to take action against corruption and to promote good governance practices. CSOs can provide secure and anonymous channels for whistleblowers to report corrupt practices and the individuals and agencies of the government involved. They are also expected to wake up to the duty of advocating for robust whistleblower protection laws to safeguard those who expose corrupt practices. They are to offer support and legal assistance to whistleblowers and victims of corruption, helping them navigate legal processes and ensuring their protection. This will reduce among the citizens the fear of the implications of exposing corrupt government officials.

The media and CSOs may collaborate with government agencies, international organizations, and other stakeholders to implement anti-corruption initiatives and share best practices.

They can provide training and capacity-building programs for government officials, journalists, and community leaders on transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption measures. CSOs can work at the grassroots level to mobilize communities, encouraging them to participate in governance processes and hold local authorities accountable. They may engage communities in monitoring public projects and services, ensuring that resources are used effectively and transparently.

The media and CSOs can organize public forums, debates, and town hall meetings to facilitate dialogue between citizens and government officials on issues of corruption and governance. Through these roles, the media and civil society organizations can significantly contribute to the fight against corruption in Abia State, thereby promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance.

CONCLUSION
Garry Skinner suggests that a corrupt person be jailed to protect society from the vile deeds of the corrupt person. The governments should be protecting us from the foul results of corruption instead of being proponents and participants in corruption. When corruption is systemic, when it is an institutionalized culture and a way of life, when and where corruption thrives, it destroys the health of the community and nation. Although defeating corruption is a very difficult task given that the love of money is the root of all evil as the Bible says, and people who love money will do almost anything to get it, it is not impossible as those who choose to stand up against corruption need to know that they are going to be involved in a war and should be courageous enough to stand their ground not minding that they will be threatened, vilified, intimidated, marginalized and ridiculed. Corruption can only be defeated when enough people have had enough of it and decide to courageously stand against it no matter what it will take.

The need to tackle corruption in Abia State cannot be overemphasized. It will bring about increased investor confidence, leading to more investments, which in turn will create jobs and stimulate local economies. There will be development of diverse economic sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and tourism, reducing dependence on any single industry. Efficient use of public funds will lead to the development and maintenance of critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, schools, and hospitals.

In addition, there will be enhanced connectivity and utilities that support economic activities and improve the quality of life for residents.

There will be access to high-quality public services, including healthcare, education, and transportation, resulting in better health outcomes, higher educational standards and attainment, and improved overall well-being.

There will also be a safe and secure environment where citizens can live and work without fear of crime and corruption. Investment in education and skills training, leading to a well-educated and highly skilled workforce, can drive innovation and productivity.

There will be opportunities for youth and professionals to thrive, reducing brain drain and retaining talent within the state, leading to reduced social tensions and inequalities, fostering a more cohesive and stable society.

Furthermore, when corruption is tackled, it will enhance trust between citizens and the government, leading to greater civic participation and a stronger democratic culture.

A corruption-free Abia State holds immense potential for development.

By fostering transparent governance, strong institutions, active citizen engagement, and efficient public services, the state can achieve significant economic growth, improved quality of life, social equity, and environmental sustainability. This vision can transform Abia State into a model of good governance and development in Nigeria and beyond. This is ‘A New Abia’ of our collective dream which we are committed to achieving under the current administration of His Excellency, Dr Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, and all well-meaning citizens and residents are encouraged to join hands in our efforts and match towards the actualization of an Abia where everybody will live, work and thrive.

Written by, Anokwuru C.U,Ph.D
Political Analyst and Social commentator.