Public perception of corruption in anambra state: a study of Aguata local government area

Abstract

This paper investigated public perception of corruption in Aguata local government area of Anambra state. It is a cross sectional survey and Bandura’s social learning theory constituted the theoretical frame for the paper. The multistage sampling technique was applied in choosing the 400 study participants. In this study, it was found that the public perceived corruption as a serious problem which must be stopped. Factors responsible for corruption in Aguata local government area were found to include among others poverty and unemployment, lack of patriotism, weak judicial system, negative value system and lack of social and economic security. It was also found that the effects of corruption in Aguata local government area include retardation of economic growth and development, poor infrastructural development, poverty and unemployment, non provision of basic amenities and reduction of investment potentials of the society. This paper recommended the need for attitudinal change. This involves changing the value system which emphasizes unbridled penchant for materialism.