THE CIVILIAN AND THE INTRICACIES OF CORRUPTION IN NIGERIA’S FOURTH REPUBLIC: A CASE STUDY OF BUHARI’S ADMININSTRATION (2015-2022)

Solomon A. Adedire; Adebowale Idowu Adeyeye

Solomon A. Adedire Osun State University, Osogbo
Adebowale Idowu Adeyeye Osun State University, Osogbo

Keywords: Civilian, Intricacies, Corruption, Fourth Republic, Anti-corruption Crusade, Anti-kleptocracy

Abstract

The paper investigates the civilian and the intricacies of corruption during President Buhari administration. This article is a conceptual paper based on content analysis. It forwards its arguments using neo-patrimonial theory. The article reveals that the scale of corruption in Nigeria under Buhari’s administration is massive, widespread and pervasive. It contends that the politicisation of anti-corruption crusade of Buhari as well as “sacred cows” in his government have created doubt in the fight against corruption. This is quite evident in the records of various allegations levelled against political office holders. The content analysis shows that the limited political will of the anti-graft agencies, and inadequate resources hinder the drives towards attaining the Buhari’s tripod vision of fighting corruption, defeating terrorism, and fixing the economy. The article concludes that, despite the anti-corruption crusade, there are still rising insecurity, democratic backsliding which have hindered anti-kleptocracy efforts, and created new corruption opportunities for unscrupulous officials and their enablers. Therefore, it recommends autonomy of the anti-graft agencies; improved standard of living of people above poverty line; strong institutions; public awareness by the civil society on the threat posed by corruption, and value re-orientation of the people.

Author Biographies

Solomon A. Adedire, Osun State University, Osogbo

Solomon Adebayo Adedire is currently a lecturer in the Department of Political Science, Osun State University, Osogbo in Nigeria. His research interests include comparative politics and public administration. He has published in reputable journals, both national and international. The recent publication is on ‘Structure and Authority in the Nigerian Intergovernmental Relationships: Contextual and Theoretical Framework’ published in the Lapai International Journal of Management and Social Sciences, 15 (2), 25-33, December 2023. Available at: https://ojs.ibbujournals.com.ng/ index.php/ lijomass/article/view/1152/1144.

Adebowale Idowu Adeyeye, Osun State University, Osogbo

Adebowale Idowu Adeyeye is currently a senior lecturer in the Department of Political Sciences, at the Osun State University in Osogbo, in Nigeria. His research areas cover peace and conflicts, gender discourse, public policy, politics and governance. His recent works are on Women as Agents of Terror: Women Resources and Gender Discourse in Terrorism and Insurgency published in the Politicon, South African Journal of Political Studies and Examining Counterinsurgency (COIN) and Counter Terrorism Mechanisms in Nigeria (2010-2022) published in the Ethiopian Journal of Social Sciences, available at African Journals Online https://www.ajol.info/index.php.