CHAPTER ONE
1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
For mass media to effectively and efficiently promote responsibility and accountability in government, it must first tackle and curb the rate at which corruption is moving in Nigeria.
Therefore, this project work examines different ways at which mass media serve as an impediment to corruption. It also considers how the media can be strengthened to enhance their role in curbing corruption for responsibility and accountability in power. Corruption remains a symptom of a poorly functioning state as witnessed in most developing countries such as Nigeria. Indeed, those who give and receive bribes can expropriate a nation’s wealth, leaving little or nothing for the poorest citizens. Highly corrupt countries often face particular challenges even when controlled by reform-minded rulers. Reforming public institutions and government policies is essential but poverty limits available options. Policymakers, however, can arrive at plausible solution only after understanding corruption’s effect on the efficiency and equity of an economic system (Nwaobi, 2004).
The history of corruption in Nigeria is strongly rooted in the over 29years of military rule, out of 52years of her statehood since 1960. Successive military regime subdued the rule of law, facilitated the wanton looting of the public treasury, decapitated public institutions and free speech and instituted a secret and opaque culture in the running of government business. Corruption became the dominant guiding principle for running affairs of state. The period witnessed a total reversal and destruction of every good thing in the country (Ribadu, 2006). The military took corruption to its highest level ever. Ironically, as previously stated, when military seized power from democratically elected government, pervasive corruption was cited as the justification. It is clear the military regime were worse than civilian regime as far as corruption was concerned. This explains the reasons for the multiplicity of corruption and the further decimation of available resources for national development. (Akinseye George, 200). Decrees were formulated and promulgated by the military government to frustrate and censor the media and surpass the masses.
Political activities assumed a dangerous dimension as contestant see their victory as the ticket to loot and amass wealth. Specifically, corruption became legitimized, especially during the regime of Babagida and Abacha (1985-1998), with huge revenue but wasteful spending, and nothing to show in term of physical development. The culture of corruption through what Nigerians has come to know, as settlement syndrome became part of the country’s political culture. All the positive value for development were jettisoned. Government agencies that were the pilot of social-economic development were decimated. The decline in the education sector today has its roots in the period (Nwaka).
The past and present civilian governments have their own share of corruption in Nigeria. Fagbadebo (2007) opined that Nigeria presents a veritable case for understanding the connection between corruption and political malaise. Ribadu (2006a) give a graphic summary of the situation. He termed the period between 1979 and 1998 “The darkest period” in Nigeria’s history of corrupt regime. The civilians administration of 1979-1983 was bedeviled with profligacy, wanton waste. Political thuggery and coercion, disrespect for the rule of law, bare faced and free for all looting of public funds through white elephant projects. Corrupt public servants and others in the private sector bestrode the nation, masquerading as captains of business and power brokers with tainted and stolen wealth and demanded the rest of us to kowtow before them.