African Journal of Political Science

African Journal of Political Science ISSN 3461-2165 Vol. 12 (6), pp. 001-008, June, 2018. © International Scholars Journals

Review

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

Ademola Azeez

Department of Political Science, Achievers University, P.M.B.1030, Owo, Ondo State E-mail: [email protected]; Tel: +234 803 588 8732

Accepted 05 April, 2018

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.

Keywords: Corruption, good governance, democratic sustainability, citizens, legitimacy.