Corruption and Good Governance in Nigeria : Zooming The Lens on the Buhari Anti-Corruption Crusade

As poverty, hunger and development crisis continue to ravage the world, good governance has been identified as the single most important factor in eradicating these problems. Absence of good governance provides a cozy breeding ground for poor economic growth, poverty, unemployment, underdevelopment and conflicts. Sustainable economic growth and development are the products of strategic decision on resource control and allocation, and the efficient utilization and investment of such resources. Ultimately, good governance promotes the rule of law, transparency, accountability, freedom, fulfillment of electioneering promises, and achievement of the greater good of most members of the population. Regrettably, this ethical consideration in governance has eluded the Nigerian state as a result of endemic corruption. Sharp practices by past and present leaders of the country have denied the nation the benefits of good governance. Thus, poverty, hunger, unemployment, underdevelopment, weak economic growth, and insecurity have become a norm in Nigeria. Over the years, various administrations in the country have identified corruption as the bane of development in the country and have put in place various measures to curb the menace all to no avail. Reducing/eliminating corruption in the public sector was one of the cardinal objectives of President Muhammadu Buhari's administration. However, many observers believe this war by the present administration is one-sided and political witches hunt of the opposition. For this reason, this study sets for itself the task of assessing the impact of corruption on the Nigerian state with reference to the current anti-graft war.