Anatomy of Human Nature and the Crisis of Corruption in Nigeria

Abstract

In an attempt to justify certain forms of political arrangements, assorted theories about the nature of human beings have been postulated: their driving needs and capacities, whether they are selfish or altruistic. Are there common traits in human beings everywhere or are people’s characters mainly shaped by their circumstances? Is corruption peculiar to Nigerians or its spread a function of other variables? This paper critically examines the pivotal themes of human nature with a view to addressing the issue of corruption in Nigeria. It explores the theoretical underpinnings of the notion of corruption as well as exposes the modes of corrupt practices as these pertain to Nigeria. It asserts that corruption forms part of the acquisitive drive of human beings and that this tendency is perennial and universal. It is the thesis of the paper that the explanation for the ubiquity of corruption in Nigeria must be sought in the social, economic, political and cultural circumstances of the people. Connected to this is the fact that commitment to political obligation on the part of the leadership and the governed has suffered a dislocation. This constitutes a cog in the wheel of Nigeria’s Development. The paper suggests that corruption in Nigeria can be drastically reduced through radical measures such as combative political will and reciprocal social will of the governed. This can be achieved through a three dimensional revolution namely: ethical, educational and judicial revolutions.

Keywords: Human nature, corruption, Nigeria, political obligation, leadership, value system.

LWATI: A Journal of Contemporary Research, 8(1), 306-318, 2011