(Sundiata Post) U.S.-based Nigerian Professor, Mannixs Paul has recommended reverse methods in the fight against corruption in Nigeria, using a multifaceted approach.
This, according to him, includes either top to bottom or bottom to top, to upset the existing fraud and corruption that negatively impact the youth.
Paul, who is a Global Chairman of Chartered Examiners of Criminology and Forensic Investigations Incorporation, gave the recommendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in New York.
The don said the Nigerian Government should first and foremost examine anti-corruption and government agencies and restructure them to combat corruption, insisting that fighting corruption required a multifaceted approach.
“Each agency’s actions should be re-examined to ensure that government agencies cannot publicly fight one another, reinforce conflict of interest as a top priority, and establish a centre to harmonise the differences among the competing agencies.
“The government should create a civilian reporting commission in the three-tier government to vet law enforcement and others to evaluate issues confronting citizens’ lives.
“For a nation to crush corruption, the culture of corruption cannot be criminalised solely.
“Still, the government and citizens must join in seeking an alternative approach to educating their citizens right from preschool and forming civil responsibility as a way of life,’’ he said.
Paul also advised that they should make data-driven decisions that balanced equity, justice, and fairness and the anti-corruption agencies should concentrate on preventing crime, rather than fighting it, which is more cost-effective.
In addition, the don advised that the anti-enforcement and anti-corruption agencies should be transparent and ensure disconnection from political affiliation.
Paul, who is a professor for organisation and management, said disconnection of the agencies from political affiliation would strengthen the fight against corruption in Nigeria.
“It is commonly agreed that no administration can prevent the elephant from being in the house. Therefore, it is necessary to restructure the anti-corruption agencies, update the laws, and employ reverse techniques in the fight against corruption.
“Corruption is a significant problem that affects various countries worldwide, leading to economic, social, and political consequences.
“The United Nations mandates every nation to enact laws to address corruption intentionally.
“However, countries that engage in corruption without consequences are worse off, as corruption spreads like wildfire and ultimately leads to the downfall of critical institutions that promote sustainability and growth.
“Furthermore, corruption creates a breeding ground for organised crime when the benefits of corruption outweigh the consequences.’’
According to him, corruption and unethical practices can become even more severe when widely accepted as a way of life.
In such cases, he said individuals upholding integrity in society were often viewed as enemies of progress and become victims of sabotage by the majority, who are driven to get rich quickly.
“To effectively tackle corruption, leaders must address its root causes and create a conducive working environment to deal with the problem.
“Combating corruption is a complex issue with multiple roots, which requires strong political will.
“Preventing corruption is of utmost importance for any country, especially for a nation where a culture of extravagance and corruption is prevalent.
“Nigeria is one such country where individuals engage in fraudulent and corrupt activities without facing any accountability over the years.
“Such has severely affected Nigeria’s reputation globally, as its corruption transparency perception index, based on the international transparency report, has decreased from 27 per cent in 2012 to 24 per cent in 2022.
This indicates need for a more effective anti-corruption strategy,’’ Paul said.
The don, however, said government and organisational leaders should come together and consider the best options seeing to the complex issue of the root cause and provide solutions.
He listed some of the root causes as lack of transparency, weak institutions, low wages, political patronage, inadequate education and poverty.
According to him, the possible solutions involve a multi-pronged approach such as transparency and accountability, noting that implementing measures to ensure transparency in government operations and holding officials accountable for their actions.
He called for the strengthening of institutions by bolstering the capacity of institutions, including law enforcement and the judiciary, to effectively combat corruption.
The don said offering competitive salaries for public officials would reduce the temptation for corruption, stressing that fair wages would also address corruption.
“Also implementing political reforms would reduce political patronage and enhance merit-based decision-making and coming up with education campaigns.
According to him, other solutions are addressing poverty through social and economic policies and creating mechanisms to protect and encourage whistleblowers. (NAN)
