CORRUPT PRACTICES IN THE MEDIA, TRADITIONAL AND RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS: A LEGAL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Corruption in Nigeria manifests itself in different ways and occurs at all levels of society. The media, traditional and religious institutions are also negatively affected by corruption and despite numerous laws and policies that are aimed at tackling the menace, corruption still permeates in various forms. Using a doctrinal research methodology, this article examines the concept of corruption, the historical background and the legal framework for combatting corruption. Right from the colonial era, there have been allegations of corrupt practices in Nigeria. The article examines corruption in the media, traditional and religious institutions. The article observes that it is the constitutional duty of the media to hold government accountable by providing information to the public in respect of how corruption permeates into governmental activities and permissible actions to be taken in fighting corruption. It also observes that, despite the immense contributions given by Nigeria’s religious leaders in the fight against corruption, some few among them have been accused of converting religion as a channel of corruption. Among other recommendations, this article recommends that anti-corruption efforts are more effective if the media, traditional and religious institutions are actively involved.