Bribery and corruption are two very negative social vices that can lead to the downfall of a nation. Since many people turn a blind eye to this matter, it is important for everyone to be enlightened on the causes and effects of these vices.
First of all, bribery is the act of giving a person money to do your bidding. Many people go free from punishment instead of facing the consequences of their wrongdoings after they have bribed those who are supposed to bring them to justice. Corruption, on the other hand, is the moral breakdown of societal norms, that is, it is a situation where the citizens of a country do not care about good values and only practice what is bad.
One of the major causes of bribery and corruption is greed. Greed is the act of wanting to acquire more money or power. Most, but not all, Nigerian citizens are hungry for money so they will do whatever it takes to get money which includes bribery.
Another cause of bribery and corruption is the lack of honest leaders. People who engage in criminal activities know the implications of the crime they are committing yet they carry them out regardless because they believe that money will always keep them safe from punishment.
Another cause of bribery and corruption is tribalism and nepotism. These usually happen when you give something to someone who is from the same tribe as you or is your friend even though he or she does is not deserving of it whereas those who merit it are turned down. For example, you are the CEO of a company and you want to hire workers. If your friend or brother decides to look for a job in your company, even if he does not does not possess the required skill for the job, you will hire him because he is your friend or brother. However, other skilled people will not get the job because they have no relationship with you.
Some of the effects of bribery and corruption are unemployment. This occurs when an individual who is qualified to have a job does not have it due to said nepotism. Another effect is poverty, which is the state of lacking money to provide basic needs. The increase in injustice is another effect of bribery and corruption. This usually happens when a criminal is set free because the judge has been given ‘kolanut’.
Some solutions to bribery and corruption are promotion of values, promotion of religious and spiritual teachings, provision of jobs, provision of good education, election of good leaders for our country and adequate punishments for criminals.
So, as you can see, bribery and corruption are social vices that we, as citizens of Nigeria, should eschew so as to prevent the destruction of our beloved and blessed country. Ensuring this would create a strong economy and promote good governance.
Obatarhe Tobechukwu KOMORI
Class of 2028