Democracy and Corruption in Nigeria: The Conspiracy of Silence of the Political Leadership

Abstract

The rationale for the ‘social contract’ is the achievement of ‘the good life’ for the greatest
number. Man being the epicenter of development has always pursued this goal and
maximized his existence. What poses threat to these aspirations has preoccupied his heart
and made him to seek ways to improve his life. Democracy, it is believed is capable of
enhancing and providing the means of finding solutions to the prevailing economic, social
and political problems since it provides opportunities for mass participation. The paper
contends that the practice of democracy in Nigeria leaves less to be desired. Instead,
corruption and the silent posture by the political leadership have aggravated poverty rather
than bring development in Nigeria. This social malady has lingered because the leaders have
failed to give it the much needed commitment to fight for its drastic reduction, despite the
propaganda given to it. Also that democracy and its practice has been grossly corrupted, the
result of which is increased destitution, harvest of death, policy confusion and irreconcilable
political differences, etc. explainable from the background of survival of the fittest. That the
leaders do not seem prepared to diminish the further spread of this malaise. Until there is a
consciousness of rectitude and dedication to fight corruption top-to-bottom, the outcry for
development will be a dream.