CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
In the global scene, countries and nations where good governance subsist, persons and institutions in such nations are known to exhibit high sense of accountability and transparency, there is also observation of rule of law, respect for human rights and a lot more. Among these features accountability stands out as the hall mark of good governance. Ezeibe and Iwuoha (2011:9) observed that accountability is the fundamental prerequisite for preventing the abuse of power and for ensuring that power is directed towards the achievement of efficiency, effectiveness, responsiveness and transparency in the business of government. In every economy, both the public and the private sectors are saddled with the burden of accountability. Public service accountability is made more significant because of the enormity of responsibility which it (the public service) is charged with. Sokoya (2000:2) opines that economic development in the developing nations has been spear headed by the public services. To Suleimen (2009:3) the onus of implementing policy decision and delivering services which have value to the citizens lies squarely on the public sector.
Sometimes and in most cases (especially in the third world countries such as Nigeria), the issue of accountability remains an unsolved question. This brings to the fore the birth or creation of institutions such as the economic and financial crimes commission (EFCC) and the independent corrupt practices commission (ICPC) in Nigeria. It is evident that democratic governments and institutions are unable to solve all the social, economic and political problems facing them as explained in the self restraining theory of the political science discipline. Nna and Jacob (2012:116) explain that the self restraining theory is home grown machinery which is directed on independent, non-elective specialized bodies of oversight. These bodies are autonomous institutions of accountability that are supposed to be free from the manipulations of powerful persons and the state In other words, these institutions can boldly oversee the activities of persons and other (institutions including those that created them) in the three tiers of government they are expected to present an unbiased and unquestionable report card free from any form of interference. The Nigerian government in order to ensure that the system is operating at it bests apart from the regular institutions of the state; The judiciary, the legislature and the executive, created some agencies such as INEC, NAFDAC, EFCC and ICPC etc. to help maintain good governance and credible leadership. It is on record that EFCC and ICPC have existed for more than five (5) years but there are claims and counter – claims as to what there two bodies have achieved. It is against this back drop that this study is set out to investigate how the creation of EFCC and ICPC has impacted on public service accountability in Nigeria. The findings of this study will proffer suggestions on the way forward.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
There is a general opinion that the public service has failed to achieve the purpose for which it was established, many have also have opined that the public service is an epitome of inefficiency, corruption and laziness, it also constitute a cog in the wheel of implementation of government policies. Esu and Inyang noted that the Nigerian nation has been beset with the problems of integrity, transparency and accountability thus the EFCC and ICPC were establish to drive Nigeria quest for transparency and accountability and well as overall good governance Feature of good governance include, accountability, transparency (openness), maintenance of rule of law, non-violation of human rights etc. EFCC and ICPC are to fight social vices such as corruption especially bribery, gratification, misuse of official privileges, financial crimes such as advance fee fraud, money laundering etc. success in the fight against these vices will no doubt improve our rating in the global transparency index. There are, however, conflicting opinions among the public and researchers as to what EFCC and ICPC have or have not achieved. This study therefore intends to investigate the influence EFCC and ICPC have had on public service accountability; it will also investigate how the roles of the two bodies are perceived and finally proper suggestions on how their performance can be improved.
1.3 Objective of the Study
This study seeks to investigate the impact of EFCC and ICPC on public service accountability. It will pursue the following objectives.
1) To determine the public perception of the role of EFCC and ICPC in achieving public service accountability;
2) To highlight the impact of government funding on the activities of EFCC and ICPC;
3) To recommend strategies on how EFCC and ICPC can better achieve these set objectives.
1.4 Research Questions
The objectives stated above give rise to the following research questions which will guide data gathering.
1) How does the public perceive the role of EFCC and ICPC in achieving public service accountability?
2) What is the impact of government funding on the activities of EFCC and ICPC.