Biblical Appraisal of Clerical Corruption in Nigeria in Relation to Integrity

Abstract

Integrity has become a prominent concept in research relating to governance as was as in actual policy making at all levels, but has not been linked to clerical leadership in Nigeria. The need therefore to survey integrity as it relates to clerical leadership in Nigeria becomes paramount. This paper intends to survey clerical corruption in Nigeria visa-vis the basic Christian ideals of integrity orchestrated by Biblical morality. This contribution will address the fallouts in clerical Christian leadership about integrity and concern for others. This paper used documentation method for data collection. Primary data was gotten from the Bible whereas secondary data was derived from published works concerning integrity and clerical corruption in Nigeria. Textual method was used to describe, interpret and understand the context. Significantly, biblical integrity becomes the basis for the clergy and Christians in Nigeria, and consequently the correction of the whims and caprices found in their unchristian life-styles. This will then a life of integrity becomes the norm for both Christians and public servants alike. The paper recommends the extension of ecumenical responsibility and propagation of not only the message but the curbing of excesses of Christian clerics.