TODAY is International Anti-Corruption day. Celebrated annually on 9th December, the day was set aside by a United Nations Convention (UN) to essentially remind the world that corruption is a hydra-headed monster which eats at the fabric of society and must be eradicated at all costs. Corruption obstructs economic growth and human development. It serves a few private pockets at the expense of the vast majority. In everyday terms, millions of people are denied state services in education, health and physical infrastructure. State institutions are also stymied by corrupt practices. This plays itself out in gales of political corruption and enrichment sweeping across societies. The cankerworm also appears to have eaten its way into the sports sector. Currently, one of the most prominent global football bodies, FIFA, is in the eye of the storm over allegations of large-scale corruption. Nowhere are the challenges of corruption more pernicious than in developing countries. They, alongside industrialised countries, have been yearly scrutinised for corruption based upon several indicators. Sadly, many developing countries rank top on the annual index compiled by Transparency International (TI). Suffice to say, that advanced countries went through the throes of corruption but institutionalised structures, to guard against it destroying their societies. Examples of this are the US and Britain. In the 1930s and 40s, America took measures to stem corruption through stiff legislation. Today any whiff of corruption from the public office holders, law enforcement authorities or the corporate world, is dealt a harsh blow with convicted persons sent to prison. In Britain, several legislators were sanctioned over their roles in a parliamentary expenses scandal. A few of them were given jail sentences. The 2011 theme focuses on how corruption "hinders efforts to achieve the internationally agreed upon MDGs, undermines democracy and the rule of law, leads to human rights violations, distorts markets, erodes quality of life and allows organised crime, terrorism and other threats to human security to flourish." It calls on all countries to campaign against corruption, as well as, prevent it.The 2011 Corruption Perceptions Index released by TI on 1st December, observes that 'corruption continues to plague too many countries around the world'. It also 'shows some governments failing to protect citizens from corruption, be it abuse of public resources, bribery or secretive decision-making'.In Nigeria, corruption has been the bane of her growth and stability. Indeed, it has damaged her image within the comity of nations. A 2007 World Bank Report, observed that corruption was endemic in Nigeria and that the Nigeria Police Force and the Power Holding Company of Nigeria were the two most corrupt institutions in Nigeria. In 2007, Nigeria was ranked 149th most corrupt country , In 2008, she dropped to 121st. In 2009, TI rated the country 130th; last year, out of 178 countries, Nigeria was 134th, below countries such as Ghana, South Africa, Egypt and Uganda. This dismal rating is an indication of Nigeria's failure to successfully tackle corruption. The agencies charged with combating corruption, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have achieved minimal success. Nigeria needs to take broad action to rebuild local and international confidence in its anti- corruption crusade. The depoliticisation and strengthening of agencies charged with the task is quite key. The advocacy for the setting up of special courts to speed up the process is currently being explored. If implemented, special courts for corruption will be helpful, but must be complemented by efficient and convincing investigations of allegations, conducted by the anti-graft agencies. This is an area of growing concern. Recent media trials and slip-shod investigations, have hardly endeared the agencies to the general public. Political will and extensive reforms in the graft-fighting process are highly desirable to successfully defeat corruption at all levels. No well-meaning developmental aspirations can be achieved, if corruption continues to hold sway.
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